National Work Zone Awareness Week April 20-24, 2026

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY Andy Beshear Rebecca Goodman TRANSPORTATION CABINET GOVERNOR SECRETARY

transportation.ky.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Naitore Djigbenou 502.782.4829 Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov Allen Blair 606.748.3716 Allen.Blair@ky.gov Team Kentucky Reminds Drivers: Safe Actions Save Lives in Highway Work Zones

National Work Zone Awareness Week will be taking place April 20-24

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 20, 2026) - This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is why Team Kentucky is reminding everyone to help protect themselves and their neighbors by driving safely during National Work Zone Awareness Week. With peak construction season on state highways gearing up in the commonwealth, drivers are encouraged to slow down and drive alert in work zones to improve safety for workers, drivers, and passengers. "Spring marks the beginning of increased construction activity and travel," said Gov. Beshear. "Orange barrels are a sign progress is ahead and as more work zones pop up, we're asking drivers to look out for their neighbors by driving the speed limit and putting down the phone to prevent crashes and save lives. Together, we can make Kentucky safer for everyone - including on our roadways." In 2025, Kentucky reported 1,156 work zone crashes with 272 injuries. The result was 13 fatalities, all of whom were either drivers or passengers.

While overall crash numbers declined for a second year in a row, driver behavior continues to be the leading cause of work zone collisions. Distracted driving contributed to 42% of crashes, 38% of fatalities and 55% of injuries - the leading cause for all three. Impairment was a factor in 25% of fatalities, and speed was found to be the second leading contributor to crashes. Behind each of those numbers is a person whose life has been altered. That's why the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is joining transportation agencies across the country during National Work Zone Awareness Week to promote safe driving. "Work zones are always a sign to slow down and be alert," said KYTC State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. "We're doing our part to make work zones safe for drivers and workers alike. We also rely on drivers to do their part to keep everyone safe so we all make it home at the end of the day." Team Kentucky continues to improve work zone safety through innovation and training - deploying hybrid speed enforcement devices, portable rumble strips, and queue protection trucks (crash cushions) that alert drivers approaching slow traffic. Work zone alerts are also now integrated into the WAZE app. Additionally, workers benefit from regular training, crew safety talks and specialized equipment designed to make road work alongside traffic safer, such as automated flagger devices. "Kentucky State Police truly understands and values the importance of roadway safety. Until you've worked within inches of vehicles traveling highway speeds, you can't appreciate how dangerous it can be," said KSP Sergeant Matt Sudduth, Public Affairs Branch Commander. "Work zones are essential to improving the roads we all rely on to travel safely. Let's remember those working to improve our roadways. Slow down, avoid distractions, increase your following distance, and give our road workers extra space when possible. Our mission to enhance highway safety includes making a safer work environment for our roadway workers. We want everyone to make it home safely, every day." Kentucky's annual Work Zone Safety Awareness Campaign reinforces the message that safe drivers plus safe workers equal safe work zones. Events during the week include a kickoff event at KSP Headquarters in Frankfort featuring troopers and KYTC staff, social media blitzes and a moment of silence Friday to honor lives lost in work zones.

Work Zone Driving Safety Tips

• Put the phone down and avoid all distractions.
• Stay alert for workers, lane changes and reduced speed limits.
• Obey posted signs and flaggers.

• Be patient - driving 10 mph slower through a work zone only adds about a minute to
  your trip.

• Maintain a safe following distance.

• Plan ahead - check goky.ky.gov or use WAZE for real-time traffic updates.
  For more information on the Work Zone Safety Awareness campaign and the full schedule of awareness week events, visit transportation.ky.gov. KYTC will be sharing safety tips, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes looks at work zones on its social media channels throughout the week. ### Editor's note: Download photos and videos from the kick-off press event, which will be uploaded here following the event.

transportation.ky.gov