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FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – With cones and barrels once again marking the start of road construction season, state officials are urging drivers to reduce distractions, slow down and drive safely on Kentucky’s highways this week, which is National Work Zone Awareness Week, and every week of the year.

“We’re reminding Kentuckians to stay focused behind the wheel and stay alert when driving through work zones,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We all share the road with the men and women working to build and maintain our roads. By putting our phones down and slowing our speed, we protect those workers – and ourselves.”

In 2024, Kentucky reported 1,223 work zone crashes, resulting in 298 injuries and 7 fatalities. The majority of those hurt or killed were drivers or their passengers.

While overall crash numbers declined, driver behavior continues to be the leading cause of work zone collisions. Distracted driving contributed to 41% of crashes, 67% of fatalities and 55% of injuries – the leading cause for all three. Speed-related factors were the second leading cause of crashes, followed by impaired driving.

That’s why the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is joining transportation agencies across the country during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which started today, to promote safe driving: Stay alert and slow down.

“Safe driving is a choice that saves lives,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “With active work zones all across the state and more on the way this spring and summer, we need every driver to be alert and responsible. Just as we train our crews to be safe, we’re asking motorists to do their part, too.”

KYTC continues to improve its work zone safety through innovation and training – including the use of portable rumble strips that move with crews and queue protection trucks (crash cushions) that provide warnings to drivers approaching slow traffic, as well as regular flagger training, crew safety talks and specialized equipment designed to make road work alongside traffic safer for workers and motorists.

Last year, the Cabinet added new technology that uses GPS on highway work trucks to trigger automatic updates in traffic apps like WAZE to alert drivers of active mobile work zones in real-time.

Also, to help decrease work zone crashes and prevent injuries and fatalities, the Kentucky General Assembly this year passed, and Gov. Beshear signed into law, legislation to allow automated speed enforcement in active work zones.