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The anniversary of the VDOT workers' memorial calls for improved work zone safety due to the ongoing dangers faced by highway workers. With over 35,000 work zone crashes and 142 fatalities in the past decade, drivers are urged to slow down, ditch distractions, and follow signs to protect those working on the roads. Awareness and adherence to safety measures are crucial in preventing further tragedies.
Wed September 18, 2024 - National Edition #20
Two decades after the dedication of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) workers' memorial, highway workers continue to face the consequences of dangerous driving. Improved work zone safety is possible with collective efforts to practice good driving habits, including slowing down and avoiding distractions.
On Sept. 17, 2004, a monument was dedicated in a ceremony to recognize VDOT's highway workers who lost their lives while on the job improving the commonwealth's transportation system. Today, there are a total of 134 names of VDOT workers engraved on the monument. Many of the deaths occurred as a result of work zone crashes.
The monument was built entirely with donated funds and services from VDOT employees, family members, businesses and organizations throughout the state. No state funds were used in its construction.
In work zones, speeding and distracted driving are some of the biggest factors leading to crashes that result in injuries and fatalities. The anniversary of the memorial provides everyone with an opportunity to remember the importance of safe driving in work zones and the tragic consequences of unsafe driver behavior.
Unlike typical road conditions, work zones involve large equipment, traffic pattern changes, lane closures, uneven pavement, speed limit changes, and — most importantly — workers. Improved work zone awareness is needed to protect highway workers, drivers and pedestrians.
From 2014 to 2024, there have been more than 35,000 work zone-related crashes across the commonwealth. That averages out to approximately 10 work zone-related crashes every single day. In that same time period, there have been 15,677 work zone-related injuries and 142 fatalities, including other drivers and non-VDOT workers.
For more information on the VDOT workers' memorial, visit www.vdot.virginia.gov/about/workers-memorial/.