A Guide to Celebrating National Work Zone Awareness Week in the US
Learn what National Work Zone Awareness Week is, why it’s important, and discover how your company can participate in the observance.
Safety
Top 10 workplace safety statistics
Learn what National Work Zone Awareness Week is, why it’s important, and discover how your company can participate in the observance.
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. Held every spring in the US, this week’s key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.
A work zone is an area of a roadway where construction, maintenance, or utility work is being done. These zones are marked with signs, cones, barriers, and other signals to guide traffic and protect workers and drivers. Paying attention in work zones is a key aspect of workplace safety, as distracted or speeding drivers can put roadway workers at serious risk of injury or death.
In the US, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) plays a vital role in highlighting the dangers present in roadway work zones and promoting safe driving practices to protect both workers and motorists. In 2023, there were 898 fatalities resulting from work zone crashes in the US, with the majority being drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The number of work zone accidents has been on the rise since 2010, which highlights the importance of events like NWZAW.
By raising public awareness, NWZAW aims to reduce these tragic incidents and ensure that everyone—workers and drivers alike—returns home safely. In 2026, NWZAW is scheduled for April 20–24 and will be hosted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).
The main goal of NWZAW is to raise awareness on what a work zone is, the risks associated with them, and how to recognize these work zones more easily.
This is why every day of the week has its own special agenda. Starting with:
Work Zone Safety Training Day (April 20): Companies are encouraged to set aside time for safety demonstrations, talks, guest speakers, and other preventive measures.
National Kickoff Event (April 21): The official launch day, hosted by a different state DOT each year. This time around, Connecticut's DOT at the helm.
Go Orange Day! (April 22): Go orange for the day. It's a simple way to stand with the families of workers who've lost their lives in work zones. Snap a photo and share it using #Orange4Safety.
Social Media Storm (April 23): Flood your social feeds with work zone safety messages by using work zone safety social media kits. Don't forget to use #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety.
Moment of Silence (April 24): A day to honor those who've lost their lives in work zone incidents. The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSS) Foundation also hosts a traveling National Work Zone Memorial listing the names of every victim.
But aside from these. There are many other ways for companies to participate in the event, such as the following:
Companies can hold toolbox talks, safety training sessions, or host quizzes to reinforce work zone safety knowledge among employees. These activities help keep safety top of mind and encourage workers to actively participate in maintaining a safe work environment. Involving employees also boosts morale and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for safety.
Launching internal campaigns that include digital announcements, videos, and email reminders helps reinforce the importance of driving safely in work zones. These campaigns can highlight real-life stories or statistics to make the message more impactful. Repeating these messages throughout the week ensures they resonate with both employees and visitors.
Companies can engage with local schools, neighborhood groups, or civic organizations to raise awareness about work zone safety as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals. Hosting educational events or providing safety materials helps extend the message beyond the workplace. Doing so also demonstrates the company’s commitment to protecting both workers and the broader community.
By sharing safety tips, personal stories, and key statistics on widely-used social media platforms, companies can raise public awareness. Using official NWZAW hashtags and visuals boosts engagement and helps messages reach a wider audience. Consistent, eye-catching posts throughout the week can leave a lasting impression.
Collaborating with state or local DOTs can help companies align their safety messages with official efforts. These partnerships may include co-hosting events, participating in press conferences, or distributing shared resources. Working together amplifies the message and emphasizes a united front for work zone safety.
While there are many ways to celebrate NWZAW and increase awareness on work zone safety, recent technological innovations have made it easier for teams to effectively enhance the safety of their work zones. Many of these solutions can now be found in one platform, streamlining safety efforts.
Some features to look out for when choosing a work zone safety platform are the following:
Mobile Training Solutions – These platforms provide workers with up-to-date, accessible safety training that can be completed remotely or on-site. They support interactive learning, help standardize safety procedures, and reduce the likelihood of human error in work zones.
Digital Checklists – These tools ensure all safety procedures and equipment checks before any road work are completed consistently. They allow for real-time tracking, accountability, and customization based on specific work zone requirements, helping prevent oversights.
Communication Tools – These systems enable instant communication between crew members, supervisors, and emergency contacts. They improve coordination during active operations, reduce response time to hazards, keep lone workers safe, and help prevent accidents due to miscommunication.
Reporting and Analytics – Some platforms make it easy to document incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns on the spot. They generate reports that identify trends and risks, support regulatory compliance, and help companies take proactive steps to improve work zone safety.
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