INDOT Shares Safety Tips During National Work Zone Awareness Week

This year's theme is "Respect the zone so we all get home." 

Shutterstock photo.

(Southeast Indiana) - It is National Work Zone Awareness Week. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. 

This year's theme is "Respect the zone so we all get home." 

Indiana Department of Transportation: Southeast is reminding all motorists what it looks like to Respect the Work Zone: 

  • Buckling up in all vehicles
  • Putting the phone down while driving
  • Driving distraction-free
  • Slowing down in work zones
  • Watching for workers and slow or stopped traffic

According to INDOT, 269 people have been killed over the past decade in work zones or work zone backups, including motorists and workers. 

In 2023, work zone crash data showed that 33 people were killed and more than 1,750 were injured in INDOT work zones. 

The Indiana Work Zone Safety Law sets steep penalties for driving infraction within highway work zones. First time citations for speeding in a work zone result in a $300 fine. The fine increases to $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense within three years. 

Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through a work zone face fines up to $5,000. Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may end up paying a $10,000 fine and serving up to six years behind bars. 

For work zone safety tips, visit https://www.in.gov/indot/safety/work-zone-safety/

 

More from Local News

Events

Bridge Work Planned on State Road 129 in Ripley County

The project over Ripley Creek is scheduled to start on or after July 28.

Tri-State Antique Show Returns to Lawrenceburg August 3

Free ice cream cones will be given out to the first 100 kids through the gate.

Panther Prowl 5K Set for August 16

Proceeds support supports St. Lawrence Cross Country, PE Programs.

Top Sportsmanship Scores Announced for Schools

Several local schools were recognized.

Double First Base Coming to High School Baseball

The change has been approved but won't happen until 2027.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Lainey Wilson - Somwhere Over Laredo

Sawyer Brown Six Days On The Road 1:05
Russell Dickerson Blue Tacoma 1:01
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 1:00
Lonestar Amazed 0:56