The Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) has relaunched its impactful public safety initiative, “Respect the Cone: My family needs me home,” aiming to highlight the human element behind every construction cone on Nevada roads. The campaign stresses that each cone represents a construction worker with loved ones waiting for their safe return.

This renewed effort responds to alarming data indicating a rise in risks faced by Nevada’s roadway construction workers. According to the latest Work Zone Awareness Survey conducted by the Nevada Chapter AGC, over half of the state’s road and highway workers report feeling increasingly vulnerable to crashes within work zones compared to last year. Speeding and distracted driving remain the top safety concerns.

Statewide statistics reveal a troubling trend: from 2019 through 2023, Nevada work zones experienced more than 7,100 crashes. These incidents tragically claimed 31 lives, affecting both workers and motorists alike.

"These aren't just statistics. They're our colleagues, our friends, our family members," emphasized Craig Madole, CEO of the Nevada Chapter AGC. "Every day, construction workers leave home to build and maintain Nevada's roads, never knowing if aggressive or distracted drivers will let them return."

The campaign targets the critical summer period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, often dubbed the “Critical 100” within construction circles. This timeframe marks the busiest road construction season, increasing the number of active work zones and the associated dangers for crews.

To bring the message home, the campaign prominently features actual Nevada construction workers alongside their families in its outreach materials. The heartfelt testimonials and images underscore that work zone safety is not just a matter of individual risk but impacts entire families—parents, children, and spouses who anxiously await their loved ones’ safe return.

Starting this summer, residents and travelers in Reno, Sparks, and Carson City will encounter the “Respect the Cone” messages across various platforms. These include highway billboards, movie theater ads, digital and social media campaigns, work zone signage, and public service announcements designed to maximize visibility and impact.

"We're asking every driver to do their part," Madole continued. "Slow down. Put away distractions. Give our workers room to work. These simple actions save lives."

The campaign also emphasizes community involvement and support from a broad coalition of public and private partners. Key collaborators include Granite Construction, Q&D Construction, Sierra Nevada Construction, Road and Highway Builders, Operating Engineers Local Union 3, Laborers Local Union 169, Cement Masons Local Union 797, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Washoe County, and the cities of Reno and Sparks.

In addition to raising awareness, the campaign encourages drivers to be vigilant year-round. Work zones can appear unexpectedly and conditions can change rapidly. Motorists are urged to approach these areas with caution, obey posted speed limits, and stay alert for workers and equipment.

For more details and resources on how to help keep Nevada’s construction workers safe, visit RespectTheConeNV.com.

Originally reported by 2 News Nevada Digital Team.