Participate in NWZAW
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) has been successful in spreading awareness for work zone safety across the country because of participation from organizations and individuals just like you. Hundreds of companies and individuals reach out to ATSSA on social media each year using #NWZAW.
NWZAW 2026 will be held April 20-24, hosted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). NWZAW highlights the deadly dangers of inattention at highway work areas. The weeklong commemoration includes:
Learn more on how you can participate and make your voice count on the importance of work zone safety.
NWZAW 2026 will be held April 20-24, hosted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). NWZAW highlights the deadly dangers of inattention at highway work areas. The weeklong commemoration includes:
- Work Zone Safety Training Day, April 20
- National kickoff event and press conference, April 21
- Go Orange Day, April 22
- Social media storm, April 23
- Moment of Silence, April 24
Learn more on how you can participate and make your voice count on the importance of work zone safety.
2026 theme - coming soon
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will host the 2026 NWZAW kickoff event, with the date and theme coming soon.
In 2022, 891 people died in work zones, according to the NHTSA FARS data. Also in 2022, 94 highway worker occupational fatalities occurred in road construction sites, based on BLS data. Newer data and additional statistics will be available at a later date on WorkZoneSafety.org.
What many fail to recognize is the vast majority of people killed in work zone crashes are motorists and their passengers. In 2022, 742 drivers and their passengers died in work zones (based on NHTSA FARS data), making it all the more important for drivers to slow down and stay focused while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.
In 2022, 891 people died in work zones, according to the NHTSA FARS data. Also in 2022, 94 highway worker occupational fatalities occurred in road construction sites, based on BLS data. Newer data and additional statistics will be available at a later date on WorkZoneSafety.org.
What many fail to recognize is the vast majority of people killed in work zone crashes are motorists and their passengers. In 2022, 742 drivers and their passengers died in work zones (based on NHTSA FARS data), making it all the more important for drivers to slow down and stay focused while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.
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Work Zone Safety Training Day
Monday, April 20
NWZAW will start with Work Zone Safety Training Day, which emphasizes the importance of laying the groundwork for safety through training of personnel. Companies were encouraged to pause during the workday for safety demonstrations, discussions about safety policies and other prevention steps. Struck-by injuries are a leading cause of death,[1] and since 1992 the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry. The national stand down encourages employers and workers to pause voluntarily during the workday for safety demonstrations, training in hazard recognition and fall prevention, and talks about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations. Resources to conduct your own stand down can be found at CPWR.com/research/work-zone-safety. |
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National kickoff eventTuesday, April 21
The NWZAW 2026 kickoff event and press conference will be hosted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). More information about the location and time will be posted here as details are solidified. |
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Go Orange Day
Wednesday, April 22
All roadway safety professionals across the country were encouraged to wear orange to proudly show their support of work zone safety. NWZAW and Go Orange Day are especially important to the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones. Thanks to those who showed support on social media by posting orange pics and using the hashtags #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety. Find some photos here. |
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Social media stormThursday, April 23
Organizations, companies, institutions and individuals were urged to share messages and use hashtags #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety throughout social media between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET. Download social media images on the new Resources page to use on your own social channels. |
