National Work Zone Awareness Week: Safety Focus in High Risk Areas

National Work Zone Awareness Week 2025: Respect the Zone

National Work Zone Awareness Week will take place from April 21 to April 25, 2025. The campaign’s theme is “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home,” and it’s aimed at reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities in highway work zones. This annual safety event is led by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and highlights the need for greater caution in and around work zones.

Work zones are essential for improving and maintaining the nation’s roads, but they can be dangerous for workers, drivers, and pedestrians alike. The 2025 awareness week will spotlight new safety data, best practices for drivers, and the importance of safe driving habits in construction areas.

Fatalities and Injuries in Work Zones Are Declining

Data from recent years show some encouraging trends. Fatal highway worker injuries at road construction sites dropped from 124 in 2018 to 94 in 2022. That marks the first time in several years that these numbers have gone down. Work zone-related traffic deaths also decreased by 8% from 2021 to 2022.

In 2022, there were 891 deaths and an estimated 37,000 injuries from work zone crashes. That’s a 10% drop in injuries compared to 2021 and the lowest number recorded since 2015.

Still, more work needs to be done. In 2022 alone, 821 fatal crashes occurred in work zones. Rear-end collisions, crashes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), and crashes involving speeding remain common.

Causes Behind Fatal Work Zone Crashes

Statistics from 2021 and 2022 show that certain types of crashes continue to cause most of the fatalities:

• Speeding: In 2022, 34% of fatal work zone crashes involved speeding—up slightly from 32% the year before.
• Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs): CMVs were involved in 30% of fatal work zone crashes in 2022.
• Rear-End Collisions: These accounted for 21% of fatal work zone crashes in 2022, down from 23% in 2021.

The risks are especially high for workers on foot. Between 2018 and 2022, nearly half of all fatal highway worker injuries at construction sites involved workers being struck by a vehicle while walking. Another 27% involved workers who were driving or riding in a vehicle.

National Work Zone Awareness Week: Key Driving Tips

The FHWA is urging all drivers, including truckers, to take specific actions when approaching and driving through work zones:

• Avoid distractions: Keep phones and other distractions out of reach and stay focused on the road.
• Obey speed limits: Reduce speed in work zones and be prepared for sudden changes in traffic.
• Watch for workers: Many work areas are close to travel lanes. Be alert and give workers space.
• Be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclists: These road users may be forced into unusual or hazardous routes due to construction barriers.
• Give CMVs extra room: Large trucks need more space and time to navigate narrow or shifted lanes.
• Follow detours: Use traveler information tools to find alternate routes when needed.

Federal Regulations Supporting Safety

Federal regulations under 23 CFR Part 630 outline key safety rules for work zones. Subpart J requires transportation agencies to track safety performance and take corrective action. Subpart K mandates that “positive protection devices” be used in high-speed work zones where workers cannot escape from traffic unless an engineering study says otherwise.

These rules are part of a national effort to protect workers and road users alike. Agencies are encouraged to assess risks, invest in safety equipment, and educate the public on best practices when entering work zones.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Resources

To learn more about National Work Zone Awareness Week and access training, safety tips, and data, the following resources are available:

• FHWA Work Zone Management Program: ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz
• National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse: workzonesafety.org

These sites offer helpful materials for both industry professionals and the public.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Encourages Safer Work Zones

While recent numbers show progress, the FHWA and its partners continue to push for even safer work zones. The 2025 National Work Zone Awareness Week aims to remind all drivers—especially commercial motor vehicle operators—that staying alert and driving cautiously through work zones saves lives.

Reducing speed, eliminating distractions, and giving space to workers and large vehicles are simple actions that can prevent tragedies on the road. The goal is clear: respect the zone so everyone—drivers, workers, and pedestrians—gets home safely.