National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which draws attention to the hazards roadway construction crews face from motorists not heeding safety warnings is April 7-11.  For 2006—the last year for which data is available—more than 1,000 people died in work zones. Figures for 2007 will be released by the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse later this year. Motorists are also at risk for not following work zone safety precautions. They may face damage to their vehicles, injuries and loss of life. For 2006, 614 motorists died in work zone crashes. 

The ninth Annual National Media Event will be observed on Tuesday, April 8, in Sacramento, California, at the California State Capitol. The event will be hosted by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The theme for this year’s NWZAW is “Slow for the Cone Zone.” Today’s work zone points to tomorrow’s improved roadways for smoother rides, better traffic flow and safer travel in your future.

Caltrans will observe Caltrans Workers Memorial Day at 11 a.m. on the west steps of the State Capitol. This is the first time in history that the national kick-off will take place outside of the Washington, D.C. area. A Caltrans honor guard will pay tribute to all highway workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, a vocalist will sing Amazing Grace, and a bugler will play taps during an honorary wreath presentation.

This public event will include transportation officials from the Federal Highway Administration, AASHTO, the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, the California Transportation Commission, various legislators, representatives from transportation departments throughout the nation, union representatives, other transportation stakeholders, and surviving family members of the fallen.