Give 'em a brake

National Work Zone Awareness Week emphasizes the importance of slowing down, paying attention and practicing caution in work zones.

By following posted speed limits, minimizing distractions and staying aware of road conditions, we can all do our part to prevent crashes and save lives.

Employees in work zones are spouses, parents, children, siblings and friends – and they all deserve to go home safe at the end of their shift. Crews work while traffic speeds by just feet or inches away. They work to keep all travelers safe, either through repairs or new construction. Far too many have had close calls or injuries. Others have been killed on the job. They deserve our respect and extra attention. We work hard to keep our workers safe with equipment and training. We also need the traveling public’s help to keep everyone on the road safe.

Work Zone Safety Poster (PDF 16.5MB)

Work Zone Collision Fact Sheet (PDF 648KB)

Work Zone Safety Infographic (PDF 267 KB)

Work Zone Safety kid's coloring guide (PDF 1.2KB)

National Work Zone Awareness Week

Every year, WSDOT joins DOTs nationwide in recognizing Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, which will take place April 21-25, 2025.

While WSDOT promotes work zone safety year-round, April is a key time to highlight its importance—especially as we prepare for a busy summer construction season. By raising awareness, we aim to protect workers, first responders and travelers on Washington’s roadways.

Drivers generally don’t think they are at risk in work zones. They're wrong.

Washington averages almost 626 highway work zone injuries each year.
Almost 95 percent of the people injured or killed in work zone collisions are drivers and their passengers.
The top three causes of work zone crashes are following too closely, speeding, and distracted/inattentive driving.

Work zone safety tips

We ask all drivers in work zones to:

Slow down – drive the posted speeds, they're there for your safety.
Be kind – our workers are out there helping to keep you safe and improve the roadways.
Pay attention – both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic; put your phone down when behind the wheel.
Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone's life.