April 17-21, 2023: Work Zone Awareness Week

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan recognizes that road construction and maintenance is vital for a safe, well-maintained road system for all Michigan families and businesses; and,

WHEREAS, we must protect construction, maintenance and utility workers who courageously put their lives on the line to improve the safety and quality of life of those traveling Michigan roads; and,

WHEREAS, the 2023 National Work Zone Awareness Week theme is, “You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us”; and,

WHEREAS, most often, drivers or their passengers are killed or injured in work zone crashes; and,

WHEREAS, most work zone crashes are caused by inattentive or distracted drivers, and speeding is the leading cause of fatal work zone crashes; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Work Zone Safety Task Force is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan heavy/highway construction industry to reduce and eliminate work zone injuries and fatalities for construction workers and road users; and, 

WHEREAS, MDOT and the Michigan Work Zone Safety Task Force are dedicated to advancing culture and practices to put SAFETY FIRST in Michigan’s work zones; and, 

WHEREAS, Work Zone Awareness Week in Michigan is an opportunity to raise awareness for worker and road user safety by planning ahead, reducing speeds, minimizing distractions, and expecting the unexpected when approaching and passing work zones;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 17 – 21, 2023, as Work Zone Awareness Week in Michigan.