The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) held a press conference today at its headquarters in Baton Rouge to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), running from April 21 to April 25. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue, alongside representatives from the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, emphasized the critical importance of safety in work zones for both drivers and roadway workers.
This year’s theme, “Respect the zone so we all go home,” serves as a reminder of the responsibility each motorist carries in ensuring safety when traveling through these areas. This annual campaign aims to raise public awareness about the vital role individuals play in protecting not only themselves, but also the workers dedicated to improving our transportation infrastructure.
In 2023, the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse reported 898 work zone-related fatalities across the nation, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and proactive participation in work zone safety advocacy. DOTD has established a safety cone memorial in front of its headquarters to honor those who have lost their lives in work zones. This tribute also honors the 14 lives lost in Louisiana work zones in 2023.
“Every year DOTD pays tribute to those lost in work zones with a memorial cone tribute,” Donahue said. “This serves as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by workers who strive to improve our transportation infrastructure. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of both motorists and workers in these zones. It’s essential for all of us to come together to make work zones safer for everyone.”
“The safety of Louisiana’s roadways is a shared responsibility, starting with respect for the men and women working in active construction zones,” Louisiana State Police Colonel Robert Hodges said. “Work zones are not just construction sites. They are workplaces where real people are doing essential jobs to keep our roads safe and functional. Every driver must slow down, stay alert, and respect the zone. The choices we make behind the wheel directly impact the lives of those working just feet away. Let’s take that responsibility seriously and make sure everyone gets home safely.”
“Respect is simply about recognizing the worth of a person and the things they do,” Louisiana Highway Safety Commissioner Lisa Freeman said. “Certainly, the workers in our work zones qualify for our respect. They have more than earned it. Even beyond the golden rule approach in treating our workers the way we would want to be treated, showing respect translates into good public safety. And that’s something we should practice—in all places, at all times.”
As part of NWZAW, DOTD, together with transportation agencies across the country, invites the public to participate in Go Orange Day on April 23. This initiative encourages individuals to wear orange as a visual reminder of work zone safety. Participants are encouraged to share their support on social media using the hashtags #GoOrange4Safety and #NWZAW or to email their photos to [email protected].