Play your part: Campaign aims to “level up” work zone safety to protect road crews and drivers

Spring is here, which marks an increase in work zones across the state. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority have an exciting, team-inspired campaign to promote safety for both workers and drivers in Oklahoma's work zones. This month-long initiative is designed to get everyone to "play their part" in prioritizing safety. The campaign kicks off with a special Teen Traffic Day in Seiling, April 1 and continues throughout the month, encouraging everyone to make safety the winning move.

ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz will officially launch the campaign at the April commission meeting by reading a proclamation from Gov. Kevin Stitt, declaring April 21-25 as Oklahoma Work Zone Awareness Week. The campaign will include the unveiling of new public service announcements that focuses on how everyone in a work zone deserves to make it home safely. With more than 100 active work zones across the state this summer, ODOT and OTA are calling on everyone to “play their part” to keep the roads safe.

“Ultimately, the goal is to raise awareness about work zone safety and make Oklahoma’s roads safer for everyone,” said Gatz. “Every action helps us make a difference in protecting our workers and fellow drivers, and with teamwork we can all make it home safely.”

Tragically, 73 ODOT and OTA employees have been killed in the line of duty, including the recent loss of ODOTer Jaden Jackson, who was killed in a work zone in southeast Oklahoma last December. Hundreds of collisions occur in work zones annually. Many fatalities are caused by inattentive driving, following too closely and speeding in construction zones. Slowing down, putting away distractions and buckling up can make all the difference when traveling through a work zone.

“As the ACCESS Oklahoma long-range plan continues to ramp up, motorists will see more work zones on the state’s turnpikes this summer. Work zones are a partnership between workers and motorists, and we all must do our part to keep everyone safe,” said Joe Echelle, OTA executive director. “One of the biggest risk factors we see in work zones is driving faster than the posted speed limit. Taking the few extra seconds to slow down could be the difference between a life-changing crash and making it home safely.”

The Work Zone Awareness campaign offers several ways for the public to show support. Each participation opportunity is a chance to level up road safety in Oklahoma. April events include:

• April 1: Gov. Stitt proclaims April 21-25 as Oklahoma Work Zone Awareness Week. A student safety event in Seiling will provide a day of interactive work zone education for high schoolers.
• April 2: The Oklahoma City Thunder will host a Work Zone Safe Night during its game against the Detroit Pistons.
• April 7: A work zone awareness PSA will be shown at the Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting and shared across social media. Commissioners will wear orange as a show of unity with Oklahoma’s work zone heroes.
• April 10: ODOT crews will team up with Oklahoma Work Zone Safe and Oklahoma Challenge for a student safety day in Tulsa to share important safety messages with teen drivers and help them level up their road awareness.
• April 11: A moment of silence to honor fallen ODOT and OTA workers, a poignant reminder that this campaign is about real lives in the work zone.
• April 15 - Go Orange for Work Zone Safety Day: Supporters will wear their brightest orange gear - whether it is a safety vest, T-shirt, or tie or scarf, and snap a selfie. Tag @OKDOT and @OKTurnpike or email your photo to SCinbox@odot.org for a chance to be featured on the campaign’s statewide social media channels.
• April 23: Iconic Oklahoma landmarks, including the Skydance Bridge and Myriad Botanical Gardens Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Oklahoma City and the ONEOK Boat House and Williams Crossing Pedestrian Bridge in Tulsa, will glow orange to show support.
• April 1-30: Throughout the month, follow ODOT and OTA’s social media pages for daily work zone safety tips and other helpful reminders.
• April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Keep an eye out for “Work Zone Wednesday” messages on highway and turnpike message boards, reminding all travelers to play it safe and stay alert as they journey through work zones.

Join ODOT and OTA this April to show support and embark on this work zone safety adventure together. With teamwork, Oklahoma’s roads can be safer for everyone.

For more information about the campaign or how to get involved, visit DriveSafelyOklahoma.com.