During National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Arizona Department of Transportation is urging motorists to stay alert and drive cautiously through active construction areas. This year's theme is "Respect the zone so we all get home."
Gov. Katie Hobbs has proclaimed April 21–25 as Arizona Work Zone Awareness Week, recognizing the dangers road crews face and the critical role drivers play in keeping work zones safe.
Crash reports from ADOT show that since 2020, at least 75 people have been killed in work zone-related crashes across Arizona, including on local streets and state highways.
Work zones often include lane restrictions, reduced speed limits and crews working on or near the road. ADOT reminds drivers to avoid tailgating, as speeding is a major cause of work zone crashes, and rear-end collisions are the most common.
“ADOT has people working day and night to make Arizona’s highways safer,” said ADOT Spokesperson Garin Groff. “So we’re asking the public to help us out.”
Following posted signs, obeying speed limits and avoiding distractions are all actions drivers can take to help keep everyone safe.
“Those three things will help you get through a work zone much more safely and they’ll also help the workers in the work zone have a more safe work environment,” Groff said.
He said its important for drivers to expect the unexpected. “Watch out for a vehicle that might seemingly come out of nowhere or a construction worker. Slow down. Pay attention to those signs, those signs are there for your benefit,” Groff said.
----
STAY IN TOUCH WITH US ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
