Stafford, VA. In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week 2018, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents of the importance of driving carefully in construction zones.

National Work Zone Awareness Week 2018 is a campaign designed to promote safety among work zone workers and drivers. The campaign runs from Monday, April 9 to Friday, April 13. This year’s theme is Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility.

Over the past five years, more than 4,400 persons died—85 percent of which was the driver or passenger—and 200,000 persons were injured in work zone crashes, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

There are several safety tips offered by the Federal Highway Administration that drivers can follow to create safer work zones and reduce their chances of becoming involved in a crash:

• Know Before You Go—Check your phone apps, agency websites, and the radio for traffic information
• Expect the Unexpected—Remember that work zones change often
• Pay Attention to Other Drivers
• Avoid Distractions
• Obey Road Crews and Signs
• Don’t Speed or Tailgate
• Wear Your Seatbelt
• Be Patient and Calm

This week, the Sheriff’s Office is increasing enforcement in work zone areas. However, the Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that work zone safety is an issue year-round and with several work zone projects going on in the area, drivers should continue to exercise caution.