The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding people of the critical role they play in keeping roads and highways safe during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19. For 25 years, CTDOT’s all-volunteer Work Zone Safety Awareness Committee has sought to reduce work zone fatalities to zero by raising public awareness annually through campaigns and events. The 2024 national theme is “Work Zones are Temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”
Crashes and fatalities in work zones remain a significant concern both nationally and in Connecticut. In Connecticut between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, there were 2,566 crashes and 10 fatalities in work zones. Nationally in 2021, 792 drivers and passengers lost their lives in work zones, according to data from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse and the Connecticut Crash Data Repository at UConn. In 2023, during a work zone speed safety camera pilot program authorized by the state legislature, more than 20,000 motorists were issued written warnings for speeding more than 15 mph or more in work zones across the state.
“Our roads are not speedways,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Our crews are in harm’s way all the time, but they shouldn’t have to put their lives on the line to keep roads and highways safe. Last year alone, motorists crashed into 141 CTDOT trucks and the outcome could have been much worse. We need drivers to slow down and pay attention—understanding their actions can have lasting impacts on families and communities.”
Eucalitto joined work zone safety partners, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, law enforcement officials and safety advocates Monday morning outside of CTDOT headquarters in Newington for an annual press conference highlighting the importance of work zone safety ahead of highway construction season. The new CTDOT Work Zone Safety Mascot Terri the Turtle also debuted. Terri will travel to events and schools to help spread work zone safety messages throughout the year. Governor Ned Lamont also issued a special proclamation declaring April 15-19, 2024 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Connecticut.
CTDOT encourages the public to join in its commitment to work zone safety by slowing down in work zones and participating in Work Zone Awareness Week in the following ways:
On Wednesday, April 17, members of the public are encouraged to join CTDOT in spreading the message of work zone safety for Go Orange Day. CTDOT and organizations around the country will wear orange and share photos on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW, #ObeyTheOrange, and #Orange4Safety.
On Friday, April 19 at noon, CTDOT encourages the public to join a moment of silence to honor and remember the 37 CTDOT employees and all people who have been killed in work zone crashes.
CTDOT recognizes and appreciates all highway construction and maintenance workers, town and city public works departments across the state, public utility companies, private contractors, construction industry associations, and state and local police departments who are all affected by safe traveling through work zones.
For up-to-date information, safety tips, and news regarding work zone safety, please visit ObeytheOrange.com.