Four Corners Health Dept. Press Release
Summer is road work season. As the weather warms up, you’ll see more orange cones and construction signs along Nebraska’s roads and highways. Work zones are there to keep road crews and drivers safe. But every year, people are hurt or killed in work zone crashes—and most of them are drivers or passengers.
According to the National Safety Council, 898 people were killed and 40,170 people were injured in work zone crashes in 2023. Slowing down and staying alert in work zones can save lives.
Why Are Work Zones Dangerous?
Work zones often have narrower lanes, changing traffic patterns, and workers and equipment close to moving vehicles. These areas can be confusing or hard to navigate—especially if drivers are speeding, not paying attention, or driving under the influence.
What Can Drivers Do to Stay Safe?
- Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit in work zones—it’s there for a reason.
- Stay focused. Put your phone down. Watch the road, other drivers, and workers.
- Leave space. Give extra room between you and the car in front of you.
- Follow signs and flaggers. Their instructions help keep everyone safe.
- Plan ahead. Check for road closures or delays before you travel.
We All Play a Part
Everyone deserves to make it home safely. Whether you’re behind the wheel or holding a “slow” sign, your safety matters. Let’s protect our road workers—and ourselves—by driving safely through work zones.
For more information, visit https://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/work-zone/ or https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/work-zones/.
For questions or to learn more, call Four Corners at 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573 or email us at info@fourcorners.ne.gov. Visit the Four Corners website at https://fourcorners.ne.gov. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and subscribe to our YouTube channel @fc_healthdept!
