Work Zone Safety: Protecting those who keep Oregon moving

By on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

OREGON – (Release from the Oregon Department of Transportation) Every day, workers around Oregon put their lives on the line to keep our roads safe, clear, and flowing smoothly. From construction crews and flaggers to tow truck drivers and incident responders, these workers are often just feet—or inches—away from passing vehicles.

“The people working in Oregon’s work zones are real people—our neighbors, friends, and family. They’re out there every day improving the roads we all rely on. As drivers, we owe it to them to slow down, stay alert, and move over when we can. Their safety is in our hands,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler.

Yet, work zones remain dangerous places. In 2023 alone, Oregon saw 584 work zone crashes, 572 injuries, and 10 fatalities—all of them preventable. Even more alarming, near misses are severely underreported, happening every day but not always making it into official statistics.

This week, ODOT and state leaders gathered to recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21-25), but the message resonates far beyond one event. Work zone safety isn’t about a single week—it’s about making every day safer for those who keep Oregon moving.

Amy Ramsdell, ODOT Delivery & Operations Administrator, reinforced the call for safe driving:

“One moment of distraction, one bad decision, can have life-altering consequences. Every driver has the power to prevent work zone crashes. We need everyone to take that responsibility seriously.”

What Drivers Can Do to Help

Work zones are a shared space. As a driver, you are part of the work zone, and your choices directly impact the safety of those working in it. Here’s how you can help:

  • Pay attention. Distracted driving is one of the top causes of work zone crashes.
  • Slow down. Speed limits in work zones are set for everyone’s safety. Follow them.
  • Move over. It’s Oregon law—when you see roadside workers, emergency responders, or maintenance crews, move over or slow down five miles below the speed limit.
  • Plan ahead. Check TripCheck.com or call 511 for up-to-date road and work zone conditions.
  • Remember: Fines double in all work zones—even if workers aren’t present.

Oregon Work Zone Crash Data

      Year    Fatalities        Serious Injuries        Total Crashes       
     2023                  10            43          584
     2022        11            48          507
     2021        4            23          476

With an increase in reported work zone incidents in 2024, the need for safer driving behaviors has never been greater.

Drive as if you work here. Because for these workers, the highway is their office. And they all deserve to go home safely.

For more information on work zone safety, visit:

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