National Work Zone Awareness Week: Safe actions save lives
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season, to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The primary message is to encourage drivers to exercise extra caution while driving through highway work zones. In addition, the NWZAW underscores the importance of training personnel to recognize and avoid struck-by hazards. Any workplace can organize a stand-down to pause and specifically address these hazards by reinforcing training and prevention. This year, NWZAW will be held from April 20-24, hosted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).1
In 2023, 899 people died in work zones, according to the NHTSA FARS data. Also in 2023, 82 highway worker occupational fatalities occurred in road construction sites, based on BLS data.
Learn all about the 2025 theme, download posters, find the schedule of events, access promo guides, and more.
Events for National Work Zone Awareness Week 2026
2026 National Work Zone Awareness Week - April 20-24
- Monday, April 20 — Work Zone Safety Training Day
- Tuesday, April 21 — National kickoff event
- Wednesday, April 22 — Go Orange Day
- Thursday, April 23 — Social media storm
- Friday, April 24 — Moment of Silence
Work zones present many challenges, such as narrow lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, and uneven road surfaces. It's critical for all road users to approach work zones with caution and do their part to keep the roads safe for everyone.
More information and resources
[1] https://www.nwzaw.org/