Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has joined the National Work Zone Awareness Week to promote work zone safety. While WSDOT holds a month-long campaign every April to highlight the issue, they are also collaborating with the national campaign this year.
According to Tina Werner, the WSDOT spokesperson, the objective of the partnership is to raise awareness about work zone safety and ensure the safety of road crew members who return home after their shift. The campaign includes a Go Orange Day on Wednesday, encouraging motorists to wear orange to show their support for road worker safety.
In recent years, work zone-related injuries and fatalities have risen, which is why the campaign has become even more critical. Werner states that the WSDOT has observed an increase in speeding and erratic driving in work zones, resulting in severe crashes on state highways.
The campaign aims to remind everyone to prioritize work zone safety. On Friday, road crews in Washington and nationwide will observe a moment of silence to honor those who have died in work zone accidents.
Werner emphasizes that staying alert, giving road crews space, slowing down, and being patient when driving through work zones is the best way to support the cause.