Tips Tuesday: Distracted Driving
April 16, 2026
| Work zones are a common sight across Florida as crews maintain, improve, and expand our transportation system and utilities. They are essential to keeping our roadways safe and efficient, but they can also present unique challenges for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and workers alike. National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 20-24, reminding us that Work Zone Safety is a key part of our commitment to Target Zero. Work zones can generate dynamic road conditions; traffic patterns, detours, and worker activity can change quickly as work progresses. Even familiar routes can look different from one day to the next, making it especially important to stay alert and expect the unexpected when traveling through these areas. According to the Signal 4 Analytics Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard, Florida recorded 9,113 work zone related crashes, resulting in 244 serious injuries and 61 lives lost in 2025. At the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Work Zone Safety is everyone’s job. Target Zero isn’t just about outreach or campaigns; it’s about the choices we make every day in how we design, build, maintain, use, and talk about our transportation system. When it comes to protecting workers and everyone traveling through work zones, your voice and actions matter, whether you’re behind a desk, out in the field, or supporting projects from afar. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety Check out FDOT’s Safety Training resource on Work Zone Safety (and other topics). Hang the attached Work Zone Awareness Week poster in common areas around the office to remind colleagues of the observation. Participate in Go Orange Day on April 22nd and wear orange to show support for Work Zone Safety in the office. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts Share the Major Projects on Florida’s Highways page with neighbors who have questions about ongoing or upcoming construction on state roads. You can also check local community pages for planned traffic disruptions. Know someone looking to take a deeper dive into Work Zone Safety? The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) course on Work Zone Safety and Traffic Control is a great resource to share with them. Talk to friends and loved ones about the added risks to workers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers in work zones. Emphasize safe, predictable behaviors and defensive walking, biking, and driving. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida Approach every work zone with caution. Workers are often just feet from moving traffic, and pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers may all be navigating a new traffic pattern. Move over or slow down for roadside work zones when possible. Florida’s Move Over Law highlights all instances when safely moving into another lane or slowing down is required. Maintain extra following distance from the car in front of you. Likewise, be prepared for sudden stops, surface roughness, and lane changes. Follow all posted signage and directions from workers or flaggers. Flaggers are certified in traffic control; obey their instructions to safely navigate an active work zone. Work zones require extra attention and patience from everyone on the road. During National Work Zone Awareness Week and beyond, staying alert, slowing down, and following posted guidance helps reduce risk and protect both workers and travelers. Thank you for doing your part to keep Florida roadways safe! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
