Each year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) conduct National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) to bring attention to motorist and worker safety as well as encourage safe driving through highway work zones. This year’s event will be held April 17 – April 21 with the theme, “You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.” 

NWZAW was originally created by the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1997 before the FHWA and ATSSA made it a national event in 2000. The inaugural goals were:

• Increase public awareness of the need for greater caution and care while driving through work zones to reduce fatalities and injuries
• Establish and promote a common set of safety tips for motorists
• Increase public sector, industry, and worker awareness of the value of training and best practices regarding work zone safety
• Establish a nationwide program to promote work zone safety
• Communicate to workers and contractors the effects of motorist frustration with delays on their driving behavior and suggest possible actions to alleviate negative behavior
• Engage interested parties involved in work zone safety as partners

Each day of NWZAW will have a different theme to raise awareness and promote safety.

• Monday: Work Zone Safety Training Day
  
• Tuesday: National Kickoff Event
  
• Wednesday: Go Orange Day
  
• Thursday: Social Media Storm
  
• Friday: Moment of Silence

To learn more about the campaign and how you can become involved, visit the official website.