The Georgia Department of Transportation is joining national partners this week to promote roadway safety as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs April 20–24.
The annual campaign, coordinated with the American Traffic Safety Services Association and supported by groups including the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, aims to raise awareness about the dangers present in work zones and encourage safer driving habits.
This year’s theme, “Safe Actions Save Lives,” emphasizes the importance of driver responsibility in protecting road crews and fellow motorists.
“I urge all motorists to prioritize safety on our roadways and in particular traveling through active or inactive work zones,” said Russell R. McMurry. “It is important to ensure motorist safety, and the safety of our crews working day in and day out on roadway projects.”
The campaign traces its roots back to 1998, when it was first introduced by the Virginia Department of Transportation. It became a nationwide observance in 2000, with an annual theme added beginning in 2004.
According to Georgia DOT, work zone safety remains a serious concern across the state. Since record-keeping began in 1973, more than 60 DOT employees and contractors in Georgia have lost their lives in work zone-related incidents.
In 2025 alone, Georgia recorded 12,964 work zone crashes, resulting in 4,882 injuries and 36 fatalities. Nearly half of those crashes involved roadway departures or rear-end collisions.
Officials are urging drivers to take extra precautions when traveling through work zones, including slowing down, staying alert, avoiding distractions and obeying posted signage and flaggers. Motorists are also encouraged to move over when possible to create a buffer between vehicles and roadside crews.
Transportation leaders say even small changes in driver behavior can make a life-saving difference for workers and emergency personnel operating along Georgia’s roadways.