- National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week is April 20-24 in Utah.
- UDOT urges drivers to slow down and avoid distractions in work zones.
SALT LAKE CITY — Spring is in the air. Birds are singing, the weather is warming and traffic cones are blossoming along Utah's roads.
Due to the warmer winter, construction projects across Utah have begun earlier than normal. With all the projects underway, more work zones exist for drivers and construction workers to navigate.
With added construction, coupled with the advent of National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, the Utah Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert in construction zones.
According to UDOT, preliminary data shows 2,154 work zone-related crashes occurred across the state in 2025, including four fatalities.
"Work zone safety isn't just important this week. It matters every day," UDOT executive director Carlos Braceras said. "As more crews are out working and more people are on the road, we need drivers to slow down, pay attention and do their part to keep everyone safe."
UDOT suggested several steps that drivers can follow to keep people safe on the roads.
- Slow down and follow posted speed limits.
- Watch for changing traffic patterns.
- Move over when possible to give crews room to work.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and barriers.
- Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road.
"Something as simple as slowing down or putting your phone away can make a big difference," Braceras said. "No distraction is worth the risk."
National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week runs from April 20-24. It was originally an internal awareness campaign started in 1997 by a group of Virginia Department of Transportation staff members; within three years, it had become a nationally recognized program.
The theme for 2026 is "Safe actions save lives," a reminder that everyone (drivers, workers and agencies) plays a role in keeping work zones safe for all.
As part of the weeklong event, the public is encouraged to wear orange on "Go Orange Day" on Wednesday, as well as host a moment of silence on Friday to honor those who have lost their lives in work zone incidents.
