Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman yesterday joined the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) and industry partners to urge people to drive safely in work zones throughout Wisconsin this construction season.
Each year, more than 2,100 crashes happen in Wisconsin work zones, putting workers and motorists’ lives at risk. At the news conference, a contractor representative talked about a tragic work zone crash in November 2024 that claimed the life of a 35-year-old employee. Work zones are temporary, but our actions behind the wheel can last forever. We all play a role to keep work zones safe.
Watch yesterday’s news conference about Work Zone Awareness Week. Please credit WisDOT if you use segments of this video.
How can people help?
· Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and follow posted speed limits.
· Leave the phone alone.
– Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.
– Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.gov/BUPDand share your commitment and challenge with others via social media using the hashtag #BuckleUpPhoneDown.
· Move over, or slow down, when you see workers and vehicles with flashing lights along the highway. Wisconsin’s Move Over Law applies to maintenance operations as well as emergency response units.
· Show support for work zone safety with the social media hashtags #NWZAW, #WorkZoneSafety, or #Orange4Safety (but please never text and drive).
· Don’t forget to participate in “Go Orange Day” tomorrow (April 23) by wearing orange in support of highway safety. Tag your photo/video on social media with #Orange4Safety and #GoOrangeDay.
· A nationwide moment of silence is planned for Friday (April 25) for people who lost their lives in a work zone incident.
Visit WisDOT’s work zone safety webpage for more tips and information.
WisDOT is currently airing two radio public service announcements (15-second and 30-second spots) across the state to emphasize safe driving in work zones, as well as using 511 Wisconsin to “know before you go”.
