Changes in Roadwork Policy Will Affect Drivers but WSDOT Says Workers Have to Be Kept Safe

In response to an alarming increase in roadwork zone fatalities, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has prioritized worker safety over driver convenience. Despite a reduction in overall construction zone crashes, fatalities doubled from 2022 to 2023, with nearly 800 injuries reported last year. The leading causes include close-following, speeding, and distracted driving. The issue extends beyond Washington, with similar trends in Oregon. In preparation for the summer construction season and National Work Zone Awareness Week, regional transportation agencies emphasize the need for drivers to slow down, pay attention, and drive sober. WSDOT has implemented stricter safety measures, including daytime work and potential road closures, to ensure worker safety. This shift underscores the critical need for public cooperation to protect the lives of road workers, who are essential to maintaining vital infrastructure.