North Carolina marks Work Zone Awareness Week with push for safer driving
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina transportation officials are urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions as the state observes Work Zone Awareness Week from April 20-24.
The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and its partners kicked off the campaign with a press conference at the Interstate 95 South Welcome Center in Northampton County. State and federal officials, safety advocates and transportation workers gathered to highlight the importance of protecting roadway workers and the traveling public.
“Work zones demand our full attention,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Whether you’re driving through or working alongside the road, everyone deserves to make it home safely. Safe actions behind the wheel truly save lives.”
According to officials, work zone crashes continue to have a serious impact across North Carolina. Between 2020 and 2025, 215 people were killed in nearly 38,900 work zone crashes statewide.
In 2025 alone, 28 people were killed in work zones, including seven workers, eight pedestrians and 13 drivers.
“Too many families have been affected by preventable work zone crashes,” Ezzell said. “Speeding and distracted driving remain leading causes. Slowing down, staying focused and following traffic laws can make all the difference.”
Throughout the week, the N.C. Department of Transportation will share safety messages, videos and resources to remind drivers to use caution in work zones. The campaign also highlights the national theme, “Safe Actions Save Lives.”
Special observances during the week include Go Orange Day on April 22, when the public is encouraged to wear orange to show support for work zone safety and honor victims of work zone crashes, Social Media Day on April 23 and a statewide moment of silence on April 24 to remember those killed in work zone incidents.
Officials said hundreds of active work zones can be found across North Carolina on any given day. They stressed that drivers play a critical role in keeping those areas safe.
