Peach Tree Times

Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is participating in the National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, running from April 21-25, to promote the safety of highway construction and maintenance workers, motorists, and pedestrians. The campaign's 2025 theme is "Respect the Zone So We All Get Home," urging drivers to practice responsible driving through work zones.

Since the onset of record-keeping in 1973, over 60 Georgia DOT employees and contractors have lost their lives in work zone incidents. The "Spencer Pass Law," named after Highway Emergency Response Operator Spencer Pass who was killed in 2011, mandates drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles on the highway shoulder.

Georgia DOT is engaged in reducing fatalities related to work zones by using educational programs to inform both its employees and the public about safety measures. These initiatives are part of Georgia DOT's "Arrive Alive" safety education programming. Among them are:

- Drive Alert Arrive Alive: A statewide campaign to combat distracted driving, a major cause of accidents, particularly in work zones.

- See & Be Seen: This program focuses on the shared responsibility of motorists and pedestrians to ensure safety by being attentive while driving and walking. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of clearly marked work zones and visibility for workers.

A significant portion of Georgia DOT staff is involved in work that places them at risk in these zones. The focus of both the Spencer Pass Law and educational efforts is to ensure that everyone returns home safely.

For more information on Georgia DOT's safety initiatives, the public is encouraged to learn more about National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week and the department's year-round programs.

Georgia Department of Transportation is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Georgia's state and federal highways. The department supports local road maintenance and engages in projects across various transport sectors. With nearly 4,000 employees, Georgia DOT is dedicated to enhancing the state's transportation system through innovation, safety, sustainability, and improved mobility.