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 2025, Washington state had 1,557 work zone-related crashes recorded on state highways.
542 people were injured in 2025 due to work zone-related crashes. That is a small decrease for 619 people injured the year prior.
The largest increase was in fatality collisions, which rose by 29 percent from 2024 to 2025. The overall number was slight – seven in 2024 to nine in 2025 – but even one death or one increase is too many.
94% 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.

Work zone safety video

A chilling camera view of a crash

Sam Dawsons’s story (South Central Region) - 2023

Luke Rosman’s story (Eastern Region) - 2023

Worker memorial

Since 1950, 61 Washington State Department of Transportation employees have lost their lives in work zone-related activities. Each spring, WSDOT holds a Worker’s Memorial ceremony to honor those fallen workers and remind everyone about the importance of work zone safety.

This year, WSDOT will hold its Worker’s Memorial ceremony on Tuesday, April 7 at the Lacey Community Center. The ceremony is centered on the families of fallen workers and provides an opportunity for colleagues, loved ones and agency leaders to reflect and remember those who lost their lives while serving the people of Washington. A recap of the event will be shared following the ceremony.

WSDOT honors the legacy and service of 61 crew members killed:

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Drive safe in winter weather

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.