Give 'em a brake

Support the men and women working to improve your highways, roadways and streets by Going Orange for Work Zone Safety Week. These workers could be your family, friends or the neighbor down the street. Help us encourage everyone to pay attention in work zones and help save lives.

Drivers generally don’t think they are at risk in work zones but they're wrong.

• Washington averages almost 726 highway work zone injuries each year.
• Ninety-four percent of the people injured or killed in work zone collisions are drivers and their passengers.
• The top three causes of work zone crashes are distracted/inattentive driving, following too close and speeding.
• Distracted/inattentive drivers are not prepared for sudden slow downs and last minute lane changes in work zones.

Work zone survival tips

• Slow down – drive the posted speeds, they're there for your safety.
• Be kind – our workers are out there helping to keep you safe and improve the roadways.
• Pay attention – both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic; put your phone down when behind the wheel.
• Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone's life.