More than 2,100 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones in 2023, resulting in nine deaths and more than 700 injuries, according to data gathered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Three of those nine fatalities last year occurred in work zones in northwest Wisconsin. WisDOT officials today joined the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) and industry partners at a news conference in Eau Claire to emphasize the message of safe, attentive driving – especially in work zones.
“WisDOT has more than 80 projects this construction season in 18 of the 20 counties that make up our Northwest Region,” WisDOT Northwest Region Deputy Director Brent Pickard said. “Hundreds of workers will spend countless hours making our roads better. Remember, work zones are temporary, but the consequences of your actions in those work zones can last forever. Please slow down, be observant and do your part to make sure everyone gets home safely.”
Speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes in Wisconsin. State law prohibits texting while driving on any road. It is also illegal to use a hand-held mobile device in work zones and in areas surrounding emergency response vehicles with flashing lights. Motorists are urged to buckle up and put their phone down when driving.
“Our troopers and inspectors regularly patrol work zones to keep everyone safe, including crews working to build and repair our roads,” Wisconsin State Patrol Captain Craig Larson said. “Each traffic stop has the potential to save a life. It’s an opportunity to help travelers understand the risk of dangerous driving before a crash occurs. It takes all of us to keep our roads safe.”
In Wisconsin, work zones include highway construction and rolling maintenance operations as well as emergency response, municipal projects and utility work along local roads. In any of these work zones, crews often work within feet of live traffic.
“The counties’ job is to maintain and repair state highways and county road systems,” said Marv Thompson, WCHA Board of Directors chair. “Our first and foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of the men and women completing this work. They are our friends, family members and neighbors.”
Today’s event held at Wisconsin State Patrol post in Eau Claire continues WisDOT’s season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across the state. WisDOT engages with county highway partners, Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and others to promote safe driving in work zones.
How can people help?
Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and obey posted speed limits.
Park the phone when driving. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.
Give space to emergency responders. Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.gov/BUPD.
Visit WisDOT’s work zone safety website for more tips and information.
Media release.
