As warm weather returns, so too do the many road construction zones on our streets and highways, as crews work to maintain and repair roadways. April 15-19 is 2024 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), and AAA South Dakota joins with transportation, construction and traffic safety agencies at the state and federal level, to remind drivers to stay focused and drive with caution in road work zones.
“This week — and really the entire road construction season – is a yearly reminder that work zone safety for all road users – including motorists and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and highway workers on foot – is extremely important,” said Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA South Dakota. “Work zones and highway workers are crucial to upgrading and maintaining our roadways.”
Work Zone Dangers
- 891 people were killed in work zones nationwide in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 21 people killed in work zones on South Dakota roads between 2012 and 2021, according to the National Work Zone Information Clearinghouse.
- 91% of South Dakota road construction workers said phones (distracted driving) were the reason work zones are dangerous, according to a 2023 survey by the Associated General Contractors
The South Dakota ‘Move Over, Slow Down’ law requires motorists on four-lane highways to switch to the lane farthest from any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, if it is safe to do so, and to slow down. AAA has worked to support and help establish Move Over, Slow Down laws in all 50 states to protect those at the roadside, including emergency responders, construction crews, tow truck operators and drivers dealing with a disabled vehicle.
The national theme of this year’s NWZAW awareness campaign is “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”
Wednesday, April 17 is being recognized as Go Orange Day in South Dakota to show support to highway workers and bring awareness to work zone safety. The South Dakota Department of Transportation encourages DOT employees, along with schools, businesses, and communities, to wear orange and then upload pictures to social media sites to demonstrate support for roadway safety in work zones. Photos can be posted on social media using the hashtags #SDDOT, #NWZAW, and #GoOrange4Safety.
Work Zone Safety Tips for Drivers
As state transportation agencies, local communities, and construction contractors strive to keep road users safe, drivers should consider the following actions* behind the wheel to improve work zone safety for all:
- Reroute. Avoid traveling through work zones, if possible. Otherwise, allow extra time for possible delays and travel safely.
- Avoid distractions. Workers are focused on their jobs in work zones; be vigilant behind the wheel to safely travel through the work zone by putting down your phone and paying attention while driving.
- Reduce speed. Follow speed limits to make driving through narrow lanes and lane shifts easier and safer for you while keeping workers safe.
- Be aware of workers. The work area is often very close to travel lanes, so please be considerate: Take care and slow down when you see workers.
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. Work zones often restrict where non-motorized road users can travel. In 2022, 145 persons on foot and bicyclists lost their lives in work zone crashes across the nation.
- Give large vehicles space. Narrow lanes, unexpected lane shifts, and longer braking distances are challenges for large vehicles. Allow extra space for them to safely navigate work zones. In 2022, 30% of fatal work zone crashes involved commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), which include large trucks and buses. Take care around large construction vehicles, which may be driving at slower speeds to enter and exit the work area.
- Stay alert. Be prepared for sudden stops. Work zones may cause unexpected slowdowns. In 2022, 21% of all fatal work zone crashes nationwide involved rear-end collisions.
*Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
By: AAA