Give 'em a brake

Employees in work zones are spouses, parents, children, siblings and friends – and they all deserve to go home safe at the end of their shift. They aren’t nameless or faceless and they deserve our respect and extra attention. Their efforts, whether in maintenance or new construction, are crucial for keeping travelers safe and our economy moving forward.

Unfortunately, many workers have faced close calls, serious injuries or death due to drivers' actions in work zones. Crews work mere inches from speeding traffic and workers often recount incidents where quick action prevented tragedy.

Every April, we pause and reflect on the importance of work zone safety. Since 1950, 61 WSDOT employees have been kiled - many in marked work zones. WSDOT also participates in National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24, 2026) alongside other DOTs nationally. By raising awareness, we aim to protect workers, first responders and travelers on Washington’s roadways.

Work zone safety resources:

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

In 2024, Washington state had 1,607 work zone-related crashes recorded on state highways.
596 people were injured in 2024 due to work zone-related crashes. That is increased from 572 people injured the year prior.
The most significant increase was in serious injury crashes, which rose by 36 percent from 2023 to 2024.
96 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 following too closely, speeding, and distracted/inattentive driving.

Work zone safety tips

We ask all drivers in work zones to:

Slow Down – drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety.
Be Kind – our workers are helping to keep you safe and improve the roadways.
Pay Attention – both to workers directing you and to surrounding traffic.
Stay Calm – expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life.