INDOT Shares Safety Tips During National Work Zone Awareness Week

This year's theme is "Respect the zone so we all get home." 

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(Southeast Indiana) - It is National Work Zone Awareness Week. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. 

This year's theme is "Respect the zone so we all get home." 

Indiana Department of Transportation: Southeast is reminding all motorists what it looks like to Respect the Work Zone: 

• Buckling up in all vehicles
• Putting the phone down while driving
• Driving distraction-free
• Slowing down in work zones
• Watching for workers and slow or stopped traffic

According to INDOT, 269 people have been killed over the past decade in work zones or work zone backups, including motorists and workers. 

In 2023, work zone crash data showed that 33 people were killed and more than 1,750 were injured in INDOT work zones. 

The Indiana Work Zone Safety Law sets steep penalties for driving infraction within highway work zones. First time citations for speeding in a work zone result in a $300 fine. The fine increases to $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense within three years. 

Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through a work zone face fines up to $5,000. Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may end up paying a $10,000 fine and serving up to six years behind bars. 

For work zone safety tips, visit https://www.in.gov/indot/safety/work-zone-safety/.