What is Work Zone Wednesday?

Have you seen the fun messaging along Oklahoma highways and wondered who came up with that idea?

In 2016, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation began the Work Zone Wednesday messaging during its Work Zone Awareness campaign. The messaging was aimed to get drivers attention and make them think about safety behind the wheel. There are currently 52 digital messaging boards throughout the state that display the message every Wednesday, impacting more than 3.1 million drivers that pass by the boards.

The first two months proved to be so successful and impressionable on drivers that ODOT was asked to extend the messaging to a year-long effort. Every two months a committee of ODOT employees team up to plan messages that are informational, seasonal or have to do with a current pop culture trend. Each message must meet Federal Highway Administration regulations for roadway signage.

The department will carry on this weekly tradition for years to come to make an impact on drivers' safety habits.

Here is some Work Zone Wednesday messaging from 2018:

January 3, 2018

Safe driving - the most important resolution you can make this year.

January 10, 2018

Together we can get to zero highway work zone fatalities. The key to safer roads is in your hands.

January 17, 2018

Don't become a statistic this year. Put away all distractions and pay attention behind the wheel.

January 24, 2018

Following too closely is one of the top causes of work zone deaths on Oklahoma highways. Don't be a clingy driver, give other cars the space they need to be safe.

January 31, 2018

Please use your turn signal when changing lanes or making a turn. It's easy to do and other drivers will thank you.

February 7, 2018

Become a gold medal driver; train yourself to focus on the road when behind the wheel.The life you save could be your own.

February 14, 2018

Hey Oklahoma drivers, we care about you so drive safely.

February 28, 2018

Safe driving is no joke. Buckle up and put away all distractions behind the wheel and the life you save could be your own.

March 7, 2018

Your trash could cause a crash, don't be a litterbug.

March 14, 2018

No shenanigans in the work zone! Put away all distractions behind the wheel and the life save could be your own.

March 21, 2018

Save the march madness for your bracket. Drive safely in our work zones.

March 28, 2018

April 4, 2018

Speeding is one of the top causes of work zone fatalities on Oklahoma highways. Slow down in work zones and the life you save could be your own.

April 11, 2018

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Thank you for putting the phone down when you're behind the wheel.

April 18, 2018

Following too closely is one of the top causes of work zone fatalities. Thank you for maintaining your distance from workers and other drivers. Your Life Matters: drive like it.

April 25, 2018

Eighteen people died in Oklahoma highway work zones in 2016. Don't be a statistic. Your Life Matters: Drive Like It.

May 2, 2018

In queso you forgot, our work zones are nacho speed zones. Slow down and take it easy behind the wheel this Cinco De Mayo.

May 9, 2018

Drive like your mom is watching this Mother's Day.

May 16, 2018

Get a degree in safety and add a perfect driving record to your accolades. Your Life Matters: Drive Like It.

May 23, 2018

May 30, 2018

No need to speed, slow down and chill this week. Enjoy your Fourth of July holiday.

June 6, 2018

Headed to the Red Earth Festival this weekend? Slow down and the life you save could be your own.

June 13, 2018

Joke: What does a flagger say? Nothing, they just wave!

Not a joke: work zone safety.

Make dear old dad proud this Father's Day and drive safely in work zones.

June 20, 2018

Distracted driving, speeding and following too closely are the top causes of crashes in Oklahoma highway work zones. Don’t make a mistake you’ll regret.

June 27, 2018

Following too closely is one of the top causes of crashes in Oklahoma highway work zones. Pay attention behind the wheel and the life you save could be your own.

July 4, 2018

Slow down there, firecracker! Speeding is one of the top causes of crashes in Oklahoma highway work zones. Don't let a wreck ruin your Fourth of July celebrations, slow down and get there safely.

July 11, 2018

Driving distracted is just fishing for trouble. Focus on the road when behind the wheel and the life you save could be your own.

July 18, 2018

Don't wake up on the wrong side of the road, stay alert behind the wheel.

July 25, 2018

No eating behind the wheel! Distracted driving is one of the top causes of work zone accidents. Drive safely. Distracted driving shows up in many forms including eating. Please take a break from everything except driving safely when you are behind the wheel.

August 1, 2018

Keke, are you driving? Then buckle up and pay attention because you've got us in our feelings over all this unsafe driving. In reference to the unsafe dance challenge being performed by many across the state and country, the DMS boards displayed a message to please buckle up and stay in the vehicle for your safety and the safety of others.

August 8, 2018

Dress up a little - wear your seat belt. Nearly half of people killed in motor vehicle accidents in the US in 2016 were not wearing a seat belt. Buckle up and pay attention because the life you save could be your own.

August 15, 2018

Heading to campus? Start a new life, don't end one. Drive safely to move in! #WorkZoneWednesday

August 22, 2018

Following too closely is one of the top causes of work zone accidents. Give other drivers some space on the road! #WorkZoneWednesday

August 29, 2018

Relax this Labor Day, just not behind the wheel. Put away all distractions and pay attention because the life you save could be your own. #WorkZoneWednesday

September 5, 2018

You won't get home by accident - pay attention behind the wheel. #WorkZoneWednesday

September 12, 2018

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Say no to distracted driving and take the #JustDriveOK pledge today. The life you save could be your own. ow.ly/kmN730lJvOU @oid411 @OkHighwaySafety Oklahoma Turnpike Authority #WorkZoneWednesday

September 18, 2018

No offsides is worth the penalty, especially in driving. #WorkZoneWednesday

September 26, 2018

Sing, dance, and celebrate Oktoberfest just not behind the wheel. #WorkZoneWednesday

October 3, 2018

Hustle down the field but not our roads. Aggressive driving is never the answer. Drive safely this weekend as you head to the Red River Rivalry game. #WorkZoneWednesday

October 10, 2018

Our work zones shouldn't be a fright fest, so don't speed through them. #WorkZoneAwarness

October 17, 2018

Dear Great Pumpkin,

I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. We told Oklahoma not to speed through any work zones so we hope you will bring us lots of good news.

From,
ODOT

#WorkZoneWednesday

October 24, 2018

Ballin' on a budget? Let's not waste it then. #WorkZoneWednesday

October 28, 2018

We're spooked that it's already November. Hope everyone had a safe Halloween! #WorkZoneWednesday

November 5, 2018

Our roads are divided for a reason, don't swerve in our lanes.#WorkZoneWendesday

November 14, 2018

Staying in your lane and keeping your speed in check helps keep everyone safe on our highways, even when the wind is sweeping down the plains and coming right behind the rain. #WorkZoneWednesday #Oklahomastatesong #statehoodday #RodgersandHammerstein