Building a Safer Tomorrow: National Work Zone Awareness Week

As the construction season begins, we join others across the industry to celebrate and support National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19. The annual spring campaign seeks to educate people on the importance of safe driving in roadway work zones and encourage drivers to use extra caution while driving in work zones. This year, Heritage Construction + Materials is proud to announce its national Construction Angels sponsorship.  

Construction Angels is a 501c3 that shows up for hurting families, providing financial support and grief counseling after a construction site tragedy. Spouses and children are not alone when a construction worker fatality occurs. The work of Construction Angels aligns with our values and supports our industry in the hardest times. That is something we can get behind! 

National Work Zone Awareness Week amplifies the urgency of this mission. It is not just a commemoration but a call to action. Whether you are a driver passing through work zones, a policymaker shaping transportation laws or a concerned citizen advocating for safer roads, everyone has a vital role in making our work zones safer.  

Work Zone Awareness Roots

National Work Zone Awareness Week traces its roots back to the late 1990s when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) saw a surge in highway construction projects across the United States. This surge highlighted dangers faced by workers on the front lines and initiated efforts to encourage safe driving in work zones. Since then, it has grown into a nationally recognized April event. 

Scheduled Events for the Week

This year, National Work Zone Awareness Week promises an array of impactful events to educate and engage communities nationwide. From interactive workshops and seminars to safety demonstrations and virtual campaigns, there is something for everyone to participate in.

1. April 15 – Work Zone Safety Training Day: This dedicated day provides essential training opportunities for our employees to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate work zones safely and efficiently.
2. April 16—National Kick-Off Event: This officially launches National Work Zone Awareness Week and kick-starts a week of impactful initiatives with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). The event will begin at noon and will be live-streamed here.
3. April 17 – Go Orange Day: On this day, communities nationwide don orange to show solidarity and support for work zone safety, sparking conversations and drawing attention to the importance of vigilance and caution in construction areas.
4. April 18—Social media: Harnessing the power of social media, this coordinated effort floods digital platforms by amplifying the message of work zone safety to a global audience. HC+M employees can participate by posting their photos in orange and turning their profile photos orange in support NWZAW. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #NWZAW, #GoOrange or #WorkZoneSafety.
5. April 19 – Moment of Silence: A solemn moment of reflection and remembrance, this gesture honors the lives lost in work zone accidents, serving as a poignant reminder of the human impact and the ongoing need for continued advocacy and action.

Facts and Statistics to Remember

1. According to the Federal Highway Administration, an average of more than 700 fatalities occurs each year in work zones.
2. Work zone crashes are dangerous for workers, drivers, and passengers, with four out of five work zone fatalities being motorists.
3. Work zone crashes cost the U.S. economy an estimated $133 billion annually in societal harm.
4. Most work zone crashes are attributed to speeding, emphasizing the need for driver compliance with posted speed limits.
5. Studies show that increased awareness and proper signage in work zones can reduce crashes by up to 50%.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to overlook the silent heroes behind the scenes, working tirelessly to keep our roads safe and efficient. National Work Zone Awareness Week serves as a beacon, reminding us to pause and acknowledge these workers’ critical efforts while raising awareness about the importance of safety in work zones.

As we honor those lost in work zone incidents, let’s channel our collective efforts towards proactive measures that prevent future tragedies. When we work together, we can build a safer future for all. This #NWZAW, join Heritage Construction + Materials in supporting Construction Angels meaningful work in our industry. Visit https://constructionangels.us to learn more and get involved. 

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