National Work Zone Awareness Week

Posted April 20, 2026

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held in the United States to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. It traditionally takes place in April, coinciding with the start of the highway construction season when road workers are most active.

Quick Facts:

Date: April 20-24, 2026
Host Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).
Signature Color: Orange (symbolizing the codes and vests used in work zones).

History & Purpose

The event was sparked by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 1997 and became a national movement in 2000. It is now a collaborative effort between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA).

The primary goal is to protect both roadway workers and motorists. Interestingly, statistics often show that 4 out of 5 people killed in work zone crashes are actually drivers and passengers, not the workers themselves.

Weekly Schedule of Events

NWZAW typically follows a standard sequence of daily focuses:

Monday: Work Zone Safety Training Day (emphasizing worker education).
Tuesday: National Kickoff Event (a major press event hosted by a different state each year).
Wednesday: Go Orange Day (the public is encouraged to wear orange to show support).
Thursday: Social Media Storm (sharing safety tips and tributes using #NWZAW).
Friday: A Moment of Silence (to honor those who lost their lives in work zone incidents).

Safety Tips for Drivers

Expect the Unexpected: Speed limits may change, and lanes may shift suddenly.
Keep Your Distance: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in work zones.
Stay Focused: Distracted driving is a leading cause of work zone accidents; put down the phone.
Obey Flaggers: They have the same authority as a regulatory sign or traffic signal.

Work zones are essential for maintaining the infrastructure we rely on every day. By slowing down and staying alert, we ensure that both the people building the roads and the people driving on them return home safely.