Slow Down for Work Zones

A smiling construction worker in a white hard hat and high-visibility vest next to an "Obey the Orange" diamond sign.
You’re driving down a Connecticut roadway and you see an orange sign, orange barrels or cones up ahead. That’s your cue to Obey the Orange – slow down and pay attention. You’re about to enter a work zone. Speeding and driving distracted in work zones cause thousands of crashes every year and puts lives in danger. The Department of Transportation’s Work Zone Safety Awareness Committee strives to eliminate crashes in work zones to protect the lives of workers, drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Nighttime highway work zone with text "SAFE ACTIONS SAVE LIVES — 2026 National Work Zone Awareness Week."

Safe Actions Save Lives

In 2023, 899 people died in work zones crashes, according to the latest national data. It is important for drivers to slow down, move over, and stay focused while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.
Learn more about National Work Zone Awareness Week  
A CTDOT traffic cone and orange ribbon beside a memorial plaque honoring highway workers who have died in work zones.

Lives are on the line

On any given day in Connecticut, hundreds of men and women put their lives on the line to make our roadways safe. They are our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends, sisters and brothers. The Fallen Highway Worker Memorial in Newington honors all of the workers who have lost their lives in work zone crashes. It’s a reminder that split-second decisions can take a life needlessly.  Every time you drive through a work zone is an opportunity for you to slow down and save lives. 
Terri the Turtle, a cartoon green turtle mascot wearing an orange cap and an "Obey the Orange" vest, standing on a road.

Meet Terri the Turtle

Introducing the newest advocate for Work Zone Safety. Terri the Turtle makes appearances across the state to remind drivers to “Obey the Orange” and “Slow Down for Work Zones.” Look for Terri at Hartford Athletic matches and other sports venues, as well as school and community events. Just a kid herself, Terri loves meeting children, passing out giveaways and teaching everyone, young and old, about work zone safety.
A woman and young child standing at a gravestone in a cemetery, with toy trucks placed on top of the headstone.

There are People Behind Those Cones

When you drive through a work zone, it’s easy to get frustrated about delays and to forget that there are people working, right there, just steps behind that cone or barrel. Through public service announcements, we’re reminding drivers to think of the people wearing the vests working on the roadway in a work zone – and slow down!