Guest written by Andrew Bennett, Zero Fatalities Program Manager

Over the last decade, Nevada’s lifesaving Zero Fatalities program has worked tirelessly to prevent roadway fatalities and ultimately reduce the number of deaths to zero. In honor of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26 – 30, the Zero Fatalities program is reminding motorists to check their speed, be aware of their surroundings and to yield to roadside workers.

According to the Nevada Department of Travel (NDOT), there are nearly three work-zone related deaths every single day in the United States, with the number of fatalities steadily increasing. With tourism coming back and locals returning to their jobs, Nevada’s roadways will undoubtedly see an influx of vehicles. Roadside workers play an invaluable role in keeping our roads safe by maintaining and improving upon the engineering of our roadways- a key ethos within the six “E’s” of traffic safety. It is imperative that the community does not forget its role in the safety of work zones and maintains accountable and vigilant in their efforts to create safer roadways in Nevada alongside roadside workers.

In 2019, 842 people lost their lives in a work zone related fatality nationwide —60 more than the previous three-year average.  While road repairs and new construction can be a point of frustration for drivers, it is important that motorists check their speed and be sure to slow down to posted work zone speed limits; eliminate distractions and focus on the road for work zone signage that could indicate lane closures or merging and pay attention to modified roadway conditions. In alignment with the program’s continuous effort to eliminate roadway fatalities statewide, the Zero Fatalities Program reminds drivers to slow down, pay attention and look out for one another when approaching work zones, because lives are on the line.

For more information about the Zero Fatalities program and their efforts in Nevada, please visit zerofatalitiesnv.com.