The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and the Pennsylvania State Police hosted an event urging motorists to slow down and pay attention in work zones. Governor Josh Shapiro proclaimed April 21-25, 2025 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) as part of his administration’s mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians. The theme of this year’s NWZAW is “Respect the zone so we all get home.”
Many precautions are taken in work zones to keep workers safe, including proper training and routine safety inspections for workers, enhanced signing and information for motorists, and the use of positive protective equipment like crash trucks, barriers, and rumble strips. Drivers also play a role in keeping workers, themselves, and other motorists safe while traveling through work zones.
“PennDOT implements many safety measures in our work zones, but we need drivers to work with us to ensure work zones are safe for everyone,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Make the safe choice to always follow the posted speed limit and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where conditions can change every day.”
According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 1,250 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities. Some of the most frequent contributing factors in fatal work zone crashes were driving too fast for conditions, careless passing or lane change, and tailgating.
“Safety drives everything we do at the Pennsylvania Turnpike – especially during construction projects,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “While construction may cause a temporary inconvenience for drivers, these improvements bring long-term benefits for all who use our roadway. Until then, we need drivers to take responsibility for work zone safety and understand the critical role they play protecting both highway workers and drivers.”
“Engaging in dangerous driving behaviors can have deadly consequences, so please remember to slow down, stay alert, and drive responsibly,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Fines are doubled for specific traffic violations in active work zones. Additionally, Pennsylvania law mandates an automatic 15-day suspension of your driver’s license if you exceed the posted speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more.”
“National Work Zone Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that every work zone is occupied by real people – fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, friends and neighbors – working hard to keep Pennsylvania moving forward,” said President of Construction for New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. Scott L. Rocuskie, who is also a board member for Associated Pennsylvania Constructors. “Our crews show up daily, trained and equipped to work safely. We are asking the traveling public to do their part. Slowing down, paying attention, and respecting the work zone are not just safe driving habits, but lifesaving decisions.”
Last year, the PA Turnpike and PennDOT teamed up to launch a statewide training program to improve new driver safety and roadway worker protection. Pennsylvania’s New Driver Work Zone Safety Program is an online training that uses engaging videos, infographics, knowledge checks, and powerful testimonials to teach new drivers work zone laws, signage, and key facts, in addition to offering real-life scenarios to enhance understanding.
“Work zones aren’t just construction sites—they’re where real people labor, live, and hope to return home safely,” said Carlisle High School Junior Janessa Lingenfelter. “Through my own learning and experiences, I’ve come to see safety not as a rule, but as a shared responsibility. We all play a part, and it starts with being more mindful, more human, and more aware.”
