In honor of National Work Zone Awareness Week, the California Highway Patrol urges all drivers to prioritize safety when driving through construction zones. To ensure the safety of workers and others on the road, the CHP recommends following a few simple tips:
- Slow down: Construction zones typically require reduced speed limits,
- Stay alert: Construction zones can be busy and complex; stay focused and watch for changes in traffic patterns, lane shifts, and detours.
- Give workers space: Workers are often present in construction zones, so give them plenty of room and avoid distractions such as cell phones and other devices.
- Plan ahead: Check for traffic updates and plan your route accordingly to avoid construction zones whenever possible.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is a reminder to take action and do your part in protecting workers, drivers, and other road users.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, highway construction, and maintenance work is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. In 2020, more than 6,500 work zone collisions occurred on California roadways, resulting in an estimated 1,964 injuries and 60 fatalities. Nationally, drivers and passengers account for 85 percent of people killed in work zones. In February last year, Caltrans announced a new Director’s Policy on Road Safety, committing the department to the Safe System approach and reaffirming the vision of reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries on state highways by 2050.
