We can all contribute to work-zone safety

An Important Message from Dallas Hammit, Deputy Director for Transportation

All around the country, state DOTs, along with our federal partners and various transportation associations will all focus on workzone safety April 8-12.

That’s right — National Work Zone Awareness Week is upon us once again, and this year’s theme is “Drive Like You Work Here.”

Even for those of us who do work here, it can be easy to slip into bad driving habits when we’re on the road. I hope that we can all take the time to examine our behaviors and decide that there’s no excuse to drive recklessly through work zones.

We all have to set a good example behind the wheel because, as I’ve said before, with more than 1,000 employees who work in maintenance and construction projects on highways throughout the state, work-zone safety is one of the most important issues we deal with at ADOT. We want everyone to get home at the end of a workday. I’m glad National Work Zone Awareness Week shines a light on the issue.

Here at ADOT, we have a few things we’re working on in partnership with the Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns to promote the week.

Like last year, the State Capitol dome, as well as the House and Senate buildings, will be lit orange from dusk to dawn during the week. Governor Doug Ducey has also issued a proclamation supporting the effort in Arizona.

<>You’ll also want to keep an eye on ADOT’s social media channels and our overhead signs for various work zone safety messages. Finally, I’d like to encourage you to visit azdot.gov/workzone for more information, including videos and safety tips. As always, I hope you will share what you learn with your loved ones. Stay safe!