National Work-Zone Awareness Week 2025 Recap: Safety Tips for Contractors
National Work-Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) ran from , under the powerful theme “Respect the Zone – So We All Get Home.” Organized by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and led by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), this year’s campaign used live events, social media buzz, and the “Go Orange” movement to remind drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones. Here’s a recap to help contractors keep safety top of mind year-round.Key Stats & Highlights from NWZAW 2025
- Dates: April 21-25, 2025 ( – )
- Theme: “Respect the Zone – So We All Get Home” – a call to protect workers and drivers alike
- Host: North Carolina DOT, with a kickoff event in Raleigh
- Social Impact: Hashtags #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety trended on X and LinkedIn during Go Orange Day
- Texas Insight: TxDOT reported 28,000 work-zone crashes and 215 fatalities in 2024 (up 12% from 2023), prompting a “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign
- Fact: Work-zone crashes are rising—equip your crew with top-notch safety gear to stay ahead of the curve.
Daily Breakdown of NWZAW 2025
| Date | Event | 2025 Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Apr 21 | Work-Zone Safety Training Day | Contractors held morning toolbox talks and introduced updated flagger training modules. |
| Tue, Apr 22 | National Kickoff – Raleigh, NC | Governor Roy Cooper and FHWA officials livestreamed from the Kerr Scott Building after weather forced an indoor pivot |
| Wed, Apr 23 | Go Orange Day | Crews and landmarks swapped to hi-vis orange; social media lit up with #Orange4Safety selfies |
| Thu, Apr 24 | Social-Media Storm | Agencies shared crash stats from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. EDT, keeping #NWZAW trending |
| Fri, Apr 25 | Moment of Silence | Work sites paused at noon to honor fallen workers and motorists, a tradition since 2022 |
Actionable Takeaways for Contractors
NWZAW 2025 showed that safety is a year-round priority. Incorporate these strategies to protect your crew:- Use Hi-Vis Gear: Outfit workers with hi-vis safety vests and safety helmets to boost visibility.
- Train Regularly: Schedule monthly safety briefings using training materials.
- Promote Awareness: Share stats and stories on social media with #NWZAW to engage the community.
Pro Tip: Stock up on safety gear now to be ready for daily operations.
Need supplies fast? Traffic Safety Store offers hi-vis vests, traffic cones, and barricades with same-day shipping and bulk discounts. Contact us to gear up!
Disclaimer: Traffic Safety Store provides this information for educational purposes only and not as legal advice. Always consult federal, state, and project-specific requirements before launching safety campaigns.