The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) joins the nation in observing National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) from April 21 to April 25. This annual event serves as a crucial reminder for motorists to prioritize safety in work zones, where construction and maintenance activities are underway.
Work zones are dynamic environments where workers and equipment operate in close proximity to moving traffic. To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, RCOC urges drivers to follow these essential guidelines:
• Avoid distractions: Keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from driving.
• Obey the posted speed limits: Adhere to posted speed limits, which are often reduced in work zones to account for changing conditions, sudden stops and the presence of workers.
• Read the signs: Pay close attention to signs in work zones, including lane closures, detours and other important information to navigate safely.
“Work zones are where our team and our contractors are making critical improvements to the roads we all use every day,” said RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “This year’s theme, ‘Respect the Zone – So We All Get Home,’ is a powerful reminder that safety begins with each of us. When drivers slow down, stay alert and follow the signs, we protect lives—both inside and outside the work zone.”
RCOC encourages drivers to plan ahead, be patient and allow extra time for travel when passing through work zones. By working together to prioritize safety, we can reduce accidents and protect the lives of workers and motorists alike.
For more information about National Work Zone Awareness Week and tips for safe driving in work zones, visit https://www.nwzaw.org/.
For information on RCOC road projects, visit https://www.rcocweb.org/189/Road-Projects. To subscribe to road construction notifications, visit https://www.rcocweb.org/List.aspx and scroll down to “Traffic Alerts.”
