By Harlee Hewitt, Associate Editor
This week, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) hosts National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). Every April, a state DOT acts as the host for a week, and in this role, the department raises awareness about the dangers workers face in road construction work zones. It also educates drivers and workers on how to improve safety.
This year, NCDOT is not only promoting safety through public campaigns as the host state, it but also is showcasing the steps it has taken to improve safety and infrastructure across the state.
A Call for Caution
National Work Zone Awareness Week was first launched in 1999 by the Virginia Department of Transportation and has since expanded into a nationwide observance.
The focus of the week is to remind drivers to slow down, stay alert and respect posted work zone signs in order to prevent accidents.
In North Carolina, between 2019 and 2024, over 217 people lost their lives in work zone accidents, according to a press release announcing NCDOT as this year’s host. In 2024 alone, 47 fatalities occurred in the state, including two workers, eight pedestrians and 37 motorists.
Joey Hopkins, North Carolina’s transportation secretary, emphasized how work zone injuries and fatalities are preventable in a recent statement.
“Far too many people are killed or seriously injured in work zones,” he said. “These deaths and injuries are preventable if drivers would simply slow down, be cautious and pay attention to the road when they are behind the wheel.”
Technological Advancements
NCDOT’s participation this year goes beyond raising awareness about the importance of driving safely through work zones. The department has also made strides in improving the safety of workers and drivers by implementing new technologies, infrastructure upgrades and safety protocols.
One of the key initiatives is the use of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), which include variable message signs, traffic cameras and real-time traffic monitoring tools. These systems help inform drivers about upcoming road work and potential hazards, giving them the ability to adjust their driving behaviors before entering a construction zone.
Mark Ezzell, director of the North Carolina governor’s highway safety program, emphasized the need for the advancements in a statement.
“We’re using every tool available to protect workers and drivers alike,” he said. “The technology we’re integrating into our work zones is helping us provide real-time updates, manage traffic flow more effectively and ultimately reduce the risk of accidents.”
Additionally, NCDOT has partnered with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol to introduce automated enforcement systems in high-risk work zones. These systems allow for real-time monitoring of traffic speeds and can issue tickets to violators automatically, helping to deter speeding and distracted driving in work areas.
Honoring Workers, Raising Awareness
NCDOT’s efforts during National Work Zone Awareness Week also focus on remembering the lives lost in work zone accidents. This is one of the most important responsibilities of the host DOT during NWZAW.
The National Work Zone Memorial, which honors people killed while working to improve the nation’s roadways, will be unveiled at a press event tomorrow at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
In addition to the memorial, NCDOT is distributing a national poster with the slogan "Respect the Zone So We All Get Home." This poster, developed by NCDOT, will be used by transportation agencies nationwide to promote work zone safety.
Throughout the week, NCDOT also will distribute educational materials, including safety tips and statistics, through its website and social media channels.
For more information on National Work Zone Awareness Week and NCDOT’s safety initiatives, visit the official NCDOT Work Zone Safety webpage.
