AASHTO Journal - Resolution Issued for National Work Zone Awareness Week

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) recently introduced a joint bipartisan resolution to recognize April 17 through April 21 as “National Work Zone Awareness Week” for 2023.

[Above photo by the Indiana DOT]

The annual National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign is held every spring to coincide with the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones.

[Click here to learn more about the 2023 NWZAW campaign and the campaign kick-off event that Missouri Department of Transportation will host.]

Senators Braun and Blumenthal’s joint resolution acknowledges that roadside work zone fatalities remain on the increase since 2006 – describing it as “an epidemic that devastates Americans and their families from every state.”

The resolution has been endorsed by 13 road safety groups across the nation, including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; the Benjamin J W Fisher Memorial Foundation; the American Traffic Safety Services Association; the Governors Highway Safety Association; Towing and Recovery Association of America; National Safety Council; American Automobile Association; Traffic Control Specialists, LLC; Mothers Against Drunk Driving; Indiana Motor Truck Association; United Steel Workers Local 1277; the Associated General Contractors of America; and NiSource.

Full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

Through Congressional recognition of National Work Zone Awareness week, Senators Braun and Blumenthal said that “people from all over the country “can learn how to move through and operate in work zones in a manner that is “safe for everyone,” and thus curb the “needless and tragic loss of life” that is all too common on U.S. roadways.

“Far too many road workers and emergency servicemen are injured and killed each year by automobile drivers,” Sen. Braun noted. “Ensuring the safety of these essential men and women is a no-brainer.”

“Work zone awareness is critical for preventing the needless tragedies that plague our roadways,” added Sen. Blumenthal.

“Road workers, first responders, pedestrians, and bicyclists are too often injured or killed by reckless, irresponsible drivers,” he added. “All drivers should heed laws – like those to slow down and move over – when approaching these areas. By promoting common sense measures and precautions, our resolution takes steps to protect everyone on our streets from being put in harm’s way.”