National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) runs from April 20-24, 2026. While it’s a major nationwide event today, it actually started small. In 1997, a group of VDOT staff members in Virginia wanted to raise awareness for their crews before the busy summer construction season. By 1999, the idea went national when ATSSA, the FHWA, and AASHTO teamed up to create a uniform campaign to decrease fatalities and injuries on our roads.
The 2026 theme, “Safe Actions Save Lives,” is a reminder that work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are a flagger using our Stop/Slow paddles or a driver passing through a lane closure, every decision matters. This week, we encourage everyone to participate in Go Orange Day on April 22 by wearing orange to show support for roadway crews. Let’s look back at how far we’ve come since that first kickoff in 2000 and keep pushing for zero deaths in our work zones.
SafeZone Auto-Latch brackets make roll-up sign deployment faster and easier.
SafeZone Heavy Duty Rib Kits improve roll-up sign stability and wind performance.
SafeZone traffic cones combine recycled materials, reflective visibility, and stable construction for dependable work zone performance.