As construction activity increases across the state, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, industry partners, local agencies, and frontline construction workers have joined forces for National Work Zone Awareness Week to remind the public to “Respect the zone so we all get home.” emphasizing that undivided attention and caution are essential when driving through work zones to protect workers, drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When approaching a work zone, drivers are encouraged to eliminate distractions, reduce their speed, and proceed with care and consideration.
To highlight the increased risks in work zones, Gov. JB Pritzker has declared April 21st through April 25th as “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” in Illinois. During this week, IDOT is conducting “tailgate talks” at the start of each day to review work zone safety protocols with workers.
Throughout the construction season, the public should anticipate lane closures, traffic pattern changes, reduced speed limits, and the presence of workers and equipment. This year, IDOT is enhancing its safety efforts by expanding the use of speed safety vans, deploying more temporary rumble strips near projects, and geotargeting high-traffic work zones with streaming audio ads to reinforce safety messages.
Annually, nearly 6,300 crashes occur in Illinois work zones, resulting in over 1,600 injuries. Preliminary data from 2024 indicates that 13 people, including four workers, lost their lives in work zones—highlighting the serious impact crashes have on drivers and their passengers.
The following guidelines should always be followed when traveling through work zones:
Drop it and drive. Keep phones and electronic devices down at all times – it’s the law.
Obey the signs. They help you navigate safely and may help you avoid delays.
Slow down. Follow the posted speed limits for safety.
Be alert for slowed or stopped traffic.
Give yourself time to react. Maintain at least two seconds of space in front of you and avoid following too closely.
Consider the limitations of heavy equipment, trucks, and commercial vehicles, and give them extra space to stop.
Remember, a work zone can take many forms: crews patching potholes or collecting litter, major interstate reconstruction, minor neighborhood repairs, or utility work. If you see orange, slow down and save lives.
For additional information, printable materials, and updates on projects this year in Illinois, visit idot.click/work-zones.
IDOT is also partnering with communities and businesses across Illinois to light buildings and bridges orange in honor of the week.
On Friday, IDOT will collaborate with the Laborers’ International Union of North America to distribute informational materials at various state rest areas, offering tips on how to stay safe while traveling through work zones.
Work zone safety is a vital part of IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” multimedia campaign, emphasizing that there are no extra lives, respawns, or second chances when it comes to road safety. For more information, visit itsnotagameillinois.com.
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