National Work Zone Awareness Week

ZANESVILLE, OH – This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week.

It’s an annual spring campaign to remind motorists to move over, slow down, and be alert as we enter into construction season.

Chas Cosgrave, the ODOT District 5 Public Information Officer, says so far in 2025, 54 crews have been struck by a motorist, compared to last year’s grand total of 84 accidents.

He says it’s important to slow down and move over for construction crews because these aren’t just employees working on a project.

“We want to highlight that these are real people. These are mothers, fathers, family members,” Cosgrave said. “They’re not just working on a project, these are people who have folks at home that rely on them to come home safely.”

Cosgrave says to eliminate any possible distraction like cellphones.

He also says to obey all speed limit signs, especially when heading into a work zone.

“Never assume a work zone is empty,” Cosgrave said. “Always be ready to react, so move over, slow down, give yourself that extra time to react.”

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 4,000 work zone crashes in Ohio last year and 35% of these crashes occurred with workers present.