FRANKFORT, Ky. — State officials in Kentucky are ramping up efforts to improve roadway safety as construction season accelerates, launching a statewide campaign tied to National Work Zone Awareness Week.
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and eliminate distractions when traveling through active work zones, where increased construction activity raises risks for both workers and motorists.
“Spring marks the beginning of increased construction activity and travel,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Orange barrels are a sign progress is ahead and as more work zones pop up, we’re asking drivers to look out for their neighbors by driving the speed limit and putting down the phone to prevent crashes and save lives. Together, we can make Kentucky safer for everyone – including on our roadways.”
State data underscores the urgency of the campaign. In 2025, Kentucky recorded 1,156 work zone crashes, resulting in 272 injuries and 13 fatalities. All of the fatalities involved drivers or passengers, not construction workers.
While total crash numbers declined for a second consecutive year, officials emphasized that driver behavior continues to be the primary cause of incidents. Distracted driving remains the leading contributor, accounting for 42% of crashes, 38% of fatalities and 55% of injuries.
Impairment was cited as a factor in 25% of fatal crashes, while speeding ranked as the second leading cause of work zone collisions.
Transportation officials say these figures highlight the human cost behind the statistics and reinforce the importance of safe driving habits.
The annual Work Zone Safety Awareness Campaign promotes a simple message: safe drivers and safe workers create safer work zones. As part of the initiative, officials are sharing practical safety tips for motorists navigating construction areas.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid distractions such as mobile phone use, remain alert for workers and changing traffic patterns, obey posted signs and flaggers, and maintain safe following distances.
Officials also stress patience, noting that reducing speed by 10 mph through a work zone typically adds only about a minute to travel time.
To help drivers plan ahead, the state recommends checking traffic conditions through official resources and navigation tools like Waze, which provide real-time updates on road conditions and construction activity.
The campaign is part of a broader national effort to improve work zone safety as construction activity increases across the country during the spring and summer months.
With infrastructure projects expanding statewide, Kentucky officials are urging drivers to take personal responsibility behind the wheel to prevent crashes and protect lives.
Originally reported by Tom Latek/Kentucky Today in Harlan Enterprise.
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