Work Zone Crashes Rise in Virginia as Safety Campaign Urges Drivers to Slow Down

Road construction season is picking up across Virginia, and officials are warning drivers to take extra care behind the wheel. National Work Zone Awareness Week, running April 20–24, is shining a spotlight on safety with a simple message: small actions can save lives.

Work Zone Awareness Week reminds people to practice safe driving habits year-round

Work zones may look like temporary slowdowns, but for thousands of workers, they are active job sites. Every day, crews work just feet away from fast-moving traffic, often separated by little more than bright orange cones. Transportation leaders say that makes driver behavior critical.

Preliminary data show the danger is growing. In 2025, Virginia recorded more than 4,000 crashes in work zones, leading to about 2,300 injuries and 17 deaths. Those numbers are higher than the year before, when there were over 3,700 crashes, 1,500 injuries, and 15 fatalities.

State officials say most of these crashes are preventable. Speeding and distracted driving are the biggest problems, causing about 85% of work zone crashes. Rear-end collisions alone make up three out of every four incidents.

“With construction projects beginning across the commonwealth, drivers need to use caution as they see more work zones,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “Work zones are a temporary inconvenience… our workers and everyone out on the road deserve to get home safely each day.”

This year, Virginia plans more than 600 construction projects and will resurface or replace over 7,000 miles of pavement. That means drivers can expect to see more lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, and crews on the road in the months ahead.

Workers face constant risks in these environments. The noise, heavy equipment, and tight spaces already make the job challenging. Add in passing traffic, and the danger increases. Officials note that cars often pass at high speeds, sometimes just a few feet away from workers.

To help reduce risks, transportation crews use reflective clothing, warning signs, flaggers, and reduced speed limits. But officials stress that safety depends just as much on drivers paying attention.

“Because of all the work to improve Virginia’s transportation system, we are seeing an increase in work zones,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Nick Donohue. “We owe it to those who put their lives at risk to prioritize safety by slowing down, avoiding tailgating, and putting away distractions.”

Drivers are urged to slow down when entering work zones and stay alert. Even familiar roads can change quickly due to shifting lanes or new barriers. Keeping a safe distance between vehicles is also important, especially since rear-end crashes are so common in these areas.

Officials also remind drivers that fines for traffic violations are higher in active work zones. More importantly, the consequences can be far more serious than a ticket.

National Work Zone Awareness Week began in Virginia in 1997 and has since grown into a nationwide effort supported by transportation agencies and safety groups. Events throughout the week aim to remind drivers that safer habits can prevent tragedies.

During the weeklong campaign, VDOT holds a variety of events and activities to raise awareness about work zone safety. Visit the agency’s Work Zone Awareness Week webpage to find out more. Also, take a look at the VDOT commissioner’s safety message.

Drivers can identify work zones, traffic, incidents, and more in advance of their trips by using VDOT’s 511 Virginia tool. Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, download the free mobile 511 Virginia app, or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.

As construction ramps up, the message remains clear: slowing down, staying focused, and being patient can make the difference between a close call and a life-changing crash.