As spring construction season ramps up across Alabama, the state’s Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to take extra care behind the wheel, especially in work zones where lives are at risk.

The Alabama Department of Transportation is joining a nationwide effort to promote safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week, set for this week, April 21-25. This year’s theme, “Respect the zone so we all get home,” underscores the need for caution and courtesy where road crews are hard at work.

Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation recognizing the campaign in Alabama, urging residents to drive responsibly and watch out for roadside workers.

Work zone crashes in Alabama surged to 2,044 in 2024, up more than 250 from the previous year, according to ALDOT data. However, the number of fatalities dropped to 15, the lowest in a decade, down from 25 in 2023. Injuries also remained high, with 527 people hurt in work zone collisions last year.

“We are pleased to report that the number of crash fatalities in work zones in Alabama reached the lowest it has been in a decade,” said ALDOT Drive Safe Alabama Coordinator Allison Green. “We want to see the number of fatalities and injuries continue to decline, because each of those numbers represent a person. Events like Work Zone Safety Awareness Week give us opportunities to bring good information to drivers and roadside workers on how to stay safe in work zones.”

ALDOT officials note that warmer months bring an uptick in highway construction and maintenance. To help drivers navigate these areas safely, the department shared several tips:

Know before you go. Use www.algotraffic.com to check for roadwork along your route and plan for possible delays.

Stay focused. Distracted driving is especially dangerous in work zones. Put down the phone and avoid eating or other activities that take your hands or eyes off the road.

Reduce speed. Obey posted speed limits, as traffic can slow or stop with little warning.

Don’t tailgate. Maintain safe distances from other vehicles to avoid rear-end collisions.

Merge safely. Avoid racing to pass vehicles before lanes merge in work zones.

Drivers should also be aware that fines for speeding and other moving violations double when workers are present. Nationally, four out of five people killed in work zone crashes are motorists, not road crew members.

ALDOT continues its mission to maintain a safe, efficient and environmentally sound transportation system across the state. For more information about the agency and its safety initiatives, visit www.dot.state.al.us. Details on National Work Zone Awareness Week can be found at www.nwzaw.org.