The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recently hosted an event to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week, which aims to make drivers more conscious of roadside construction areas and the hazards that these zones present to both workers and commuters. NCDOT reports that State Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins underscored the importance of driver vigilance in work zones at the event held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. "The safety of our roadway workers and the traveling public is a top priority at NCDOT," Hopkins emphasized.
To actively try to improve safety, NCDOT introduced new measures, such as connected work zone devices that integrate with navigation apps, providing drivers audible warnings as they approach these zones. "We chose this location because it's a great illustration of the steps we’re taking to make roads safer for everyone," Hopkins stated, referencing the Blue Ridge Road grade separation project site. Despite the safety upgrades, it's clear that risks remain – more than 6,870 work zone crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2024 alone, resulting in 47 fatalities, including transportation workers, according to a report by NCDOT.
The events of National Work Zone Awareness Week also featured remarks from safety advocates and construction professionals. William "BJ" Drewery, a roadway inspector, gave insight into what measures are taken onsite to maintain strict safety protocols. He had joined others in advocating for "Respect the zone so we all get home," the theme for this year, which emphasizes on the shared responsibility for safety in work zones, as per the press release from NCDOT.
Coming up in the National Work Zone Awareness Week schedule, NCDOT has planned a series of themed days designed to engage the public. Tomorrow is "Go Orange Day," a call for support which encourages people to wear orange to signify work zone safety awareness. NCDOT also encourages participants to share photos on social media with specific hashtags to spread the message. In addition to social media campaigns, a moment of silence will be observed on Friday to honor those who've lost their lives in work zone incidents. Each event, as outlined by an NCDOT press release, is a step in a concerted effort to raise safety consciousness and reduce work zone casualties.
