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See recent postsALDOT, ALEA remind drivers to stay alert while driving in work zones
Alabama officials urged drivers to slow down in work zones as crashes rose again, even while fatalities fell to their lowest level in a decade.
The Alabama Department of Transportation, or ALDOT, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, or ALEA, and states across the country are urging motorists to observe National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 20-24 by slowing down in work zones and watching for roadway workers.
This year’s theme is “Safe Actions Save Lives.”
“The number of crash fatalities in work zones in Alabama continues to decrease year after year, and the 2025 numbers are the lowest it has been in a decade,” ALDOT Drive Safe Alabama Coordinator Dalton Middleton said. “Events like National Work Zone Awareness Week give us opportunities to bring good information to drivers and roadside workers on how to stay safe in work zones.”
In 2024, there were 2,043 work zone crashes in Alabama, resulting in 15 fatalities and 527 injuries. The number of crashes increased by more than 250 from the previous year, while fatalities decreased from 25 in 2023.
In 2025, there were 2,543 work zone crashes in Alabama, resulting in 11 fatalities and 709 injuries. The number of crashes increased by 500 from the previous year, while fatalities decreased from 15 in 2024.
“Alabama has made meaningful progress in reducing work zone fatalities, but even one life lost is too many,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “These are not just numbers; they are families forever changed. We are proud to stand alongside ALDOT and our partners during National Work Zone Awareness Week to remind every driver that slowing down, staying alert and respecting these zones protects the men and women working to improve our roadways, and everyone traveling them.”
During the spring and summer, motorists will see more construction and work zones on Alabama highways and interstates. ALDOT offered these tips for driving safely in work zones:
- Know before you go. Check ALGOTraffic to find out whether there are construction work zones along your route and allow extra time to get through those areas.
- Pay attention. It is especially dangerous to take your eyes off the road in work zones. Do not drive distracted by texting, eating or doing other activities that take your hands off the wheel.
- Slow down. Do not exceed the posted speed limit in work zones. Drivers may encounter slowed or stopped traffic within seconds.
- Do not tailgate. Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.
- Merge safely. Drivers should not speed to pass other vehicles as they merge into a work zone.
Fines for speeding and other moving violations double in work zones when construction workers are present. Work zone crashes endanger both highway workers and motorists. National statistics show four out of five people killed in work zone crashes are motorists.
In recognition of the campaign, Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation naming April 20-24, 2026, National Work Zone Awareness Week in Alabama.
“Everyone is encouraged to consider the safety of motorists and workers in work zones this week and every day,” ALDOT said in a news release.
More information is available at NWZAW.org.
