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Tennessee Launches National Work Zone Awareness Week

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HERE Chattanooga

Highway construction zone during National Work Zone Awareness Week

News Summary

Tennessee commences National Work Zone Awareness Week, highlighting the crucial need for safety in construction zones. With over 2,300 incidents reported in 2024, the initiative aims to remind drivers to stay vigilant. The theme ‘Respect the Zone, So We All Get Home’ emphasizes shared responsibility, and participants are encouraged to wear orange to show support. As roadwork increases, awareness and caution are essential to protect both workers and motorists, making this campaign pivotal for a safer roadway environment.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Kicks Off in Tennessee

This week, Tennessee is taking an important step forward in promoting road safety by recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week, a campaign that emphasizes the need for drivers to be vigilant and responsible when navigating through highway construction zones. This initiative is not only significant for the thousands of workers laboring on our roads but also for every driver out there.

Why Safety in Work Zones Matters

With over 2,300 work zone accidents recorded in Tennessee in 2024 alone—resulting in 563 injuries and 16 tragic fatalities—the message couldn’t be clearer: we all need to prioritize safety. It’s a call for everyone, from construction workers to everyday drivers, to do their part in maintaining a safer roadway. According to officials from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), while roads are designed for safety, it’s ultimately the behavior of drivers that significantly impacts outcomes.

Respecting the Zone

This week’s theme is “Respect the Zone, So We All Get Home,” highlighting the shared responsibility necessary to ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day. TDOT points out that over the years, a staggering 113 workers have lost their lives in work zones—a heartbreaking statistic that reminds us of the risks these individuals face every day.

How You Can Join the Effort

One way to show support is by participating in “Wear Orange Day”, happening on Wednesday. This fun initiative encourages the public to don orange attire to raise awareness and show solidarity for those who work tirelessly on our roads. In addition to this, a poignant memorial has been established outside TDOT headquarters, creatively constructed using traffic safety cones to honor the fallen workers.

Staying Alert for Safety

Tennessee is gearing up for various construction and maintenance projects as spring and summer roll around. With this surge in activity, it’s more vital than ever for drivers to stay alert. Recent data indicates that so far this year, there have been 35 incidents where drivers collided with TDOT equipment and vehicles, underscoring the importance of being cautious and attentive.

Speed and Distracted Driving Are Major Concerns

Two consistent issues confronting work zone safety are speeding and distracted driving. As the number of work zones increases, drivers should take proactive measures to improve safety on the roads. TDOT has launched the campaign “Work with Us—Move Over, Slow Down” back in 2017 to underscore the connection between responsible driving and road safety.

Stay Informed and Drive Safely

In addition to adhering to the safety guidelines, drivers are encouraged to stay informed by checking TDOT SmartWay for updates on road conditions. It’s also highly recommended to secure phones in hands-free devices while driving, keeping distractions to an absolute minimum as they approach work zones.

Message Boards and Lighting Up in Orange

Throughout this week, Dynamic Message Signs located on interstates in cities like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville will display reassuring work zone safety messages. Key buildings and bridges in these areas will also be illuminated in orange, symbolizing the mission of this campaign and reminding everyone about the importance of road safety.

The Road Ahead

As we move through this vital awareness week, let’s all commit to being part of the solution. Whether you’re driving through a work zone or helping to build the very roads we travel on, remember that the goal is simple: we all want to return home safely. So, let’s work together and keep safety at the forefront of our minds.