DOTD Recognizes National Work Zone Awareness Week, Urges Motorists to Drive Safely
Monday, April 20, 2026 at 12:03:00 PM
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) held a press conference today to recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), joining transportation agencies and safety partners across the country in reminding motorists that safe driving behaviors save lives.
Observed April 20-24, this year’s theme, “Safe actions save lives,” highlights the importance of every driver doing their part to protect roadway workers, passengers, pedestrians, and fellow motorists in and around active work zones.
In 2023, there were 818 fatal crashes in work zones nationwide, resulting in 899 deaths. Of those, 176 were pedestrians. In Louisiana, 13 people were killed in work zones in 2024, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution from everyone traveling through these areas.
“Work zones are active workplaces, and the men and women serving there deserve to return home safely at the end of each day,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Every driver has a responsibility to slow down, stay alert, and make safe decisions behind the wheel—simple safe actions will save lives. Today’s technology makes it easier than ever for motorists to stay informed about upcoming work zones. Drivers can sign up for MyDOTD and 511LA to receive email and text alerts, or use hands-free, real-time travel apps such as Louisiana 511 or Waze. DOTD is also providing more proactive and innovative alerts such as in-cab safety alerts and advisories to commercial drivers through Fleetworthy, formerly Drivewyze. There is no substitute for attentive driving, but these new tools help keep both motorists and workers safe.”
“A moment of inattention in a work zone can change lives forever. Work zone safety starts with the driver, and one safe decision can prevent a tragedy. It is a shared responsibility. When we slow down and stay alert, we move as one team, one dream, one Louisiana, and that’s how we save lives,” said Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges
“Road construction workers and first responders are on the front lines of making our lives safer, better, and more convenient,” LHSC Executive Director and the Governor’s Rep. for Highway Safety Lisa Freeman said. “We owe it to them to make sure they get to ‘Home Sweet Home’ at the end of the day as much as the rest of us. Always remember that safe actions save lives.”
As part of NWZAW, DOTD encourages the public to participate in Go Orange Day on April 22 by wearing orange to show support for work zone safety and raise awareness about the risks faced by roadway workers. Participants are encouraged to share their support on social media using the hashtags #GoOrange4Safety and #NWZAW or to email their photos to [email protected].
For more information about National Work Zone Awareness Week, visit nwzaw.org.
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