As construction season ramps up across Wisconsin, state officials are issuing a crucial reminder to motorists: slow down, stay alert, and exercise caution in work zones. With an increase in construction activities on major highways, ensuring the safety of workers and drivers is a top priority.

In a statewide observance, transportation officials held a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives in work zone accidents. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), over 2,100 crashes occur annually in work zones, and tragically, in 2024, 10 individuals, including two construction workers, lost their lives in such incidents. This marks the third consecutive year WisDOT has organized a week-long campaign to raise awareness about transportation project safety.

Kristina Boardman, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, emphasized the importance of worker safety during a press conference. "Together with our industry partners, we deliver hundreds of highway projects each year to improve our communities and the lives of people throughout the state," Boardman stated. "This year alone we anticipate more than 400 state highway and bridge improvement projects across Wisconsin. As we design, plan and complete these upgrades, building a safer transportation system for all users is always our priority."

Boardman was joined by representatives from the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Wisconsin County Highway Association, all reiterating the need for drivers to minimize distractions and be vigilant, especially in areas with lane closures or construction detours.

In a significant development, the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association (WTBA) took steps to educate the next generation on road safety. As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, the WTBA awarded a $500 scholarship to Aron Nuredini, a sophomore at Milton High School, for completing the "Work Zone Safe Wisconsin" online course. The course, designed by the WTBA, provides valuable insights into work zone safety and highlights the importance of protecting road workers. "This has been really important in humanizing the people that are working behind the barrels in construction zones," said Steve Steinke, Nuredini’s driver’s education teacher. "Every session now I have kids like Aron, who take that course, work their way through it, and I always reiterate that you can get something out of this besides a $500 check—you gain an understanding of the importance of safety."

The WTBA reports that over 2,000 individuals have completed the course, which is accessible online and can be taken at any time, from any location. The program also aligns with a new state law mandating that all driver’s education students complete at least 30 minutes of work zone-specific safety training. "Learning their stories, learning the rules of the road really helps us educate our next generation of drivers to adopt safe practices: eyes up, phones down, move over, slow down," stated Steve Baas, Executive Director of the WTBA.

To promote safe driving and awareness, WisDOT provided the following guidelines for navigating work zones:

• Drive Safely: Stay alert, be courteous to other drivers, avoid distractions, and follow speed limits.
• Leave the Phone Alone: Texting and talking on a handheld mobile device in work zones are illegal in Wisconsin and can result in penalties.
• Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt to protect yourself in the event of a collision.
• Move Over or Slow Down: When you see workers or vehicles with flashing lights in work zones, remember to slow down and move over when possible. This law applies to both maintenance operations and emergency responders.

The message is clear: work zone safety is a shared responsibility. As Wisconsin’s construction season intensifies, it's essential for both drivers and workers to stay vigilant and ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.

Originally reported by Ethan Duran in The Daily Reporter.