From Local Sources

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana is joining states across the U.S. in observing Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20-24.

National Work Zone Awareness Week marks the ceremonial start to highway construction season and aims to bring awareness to motorist and worker safety in highway work zones.

This year’s theme: “Safe Work Zones for All: Protect workers. Protect road users.”

“Work Zone Awareness Week is as much for everyday drivers as it is for those working on the roads,” Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “We want everyone to stay safe when they are out on our roadways and that is the responsibility of all Hoosiers.”

In 2019, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation, nearly 30 people were killed in Indiana Department of Transportation work zone crashes, which was the highest loss of life in the last 15 years.

INDOT says more than 1,100 construction projects are planned across the state of Indiana this year, with many projects already underway or beginning soon. So far, in 2020, 37 people have been injured in INDOT work zone crashes.

“Safety is always in the forefront of our minds at INDOT. We have extensive safety plans in place to prevent work zone crashes, but we need everyone to help make that a reality,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said.

To observe the week, INDOT said today is Work Zone Safety Training Day and Wednesday is Go Orange for Safety Day.