TAMPA, Fla. — Work Zone Safety Week is underway, drawing renewed attention to the dangers faced by road construction crews across Florida.
This awareness campaign comes just days after a serious accident in Hillsborough County, where a car struck two construction workers as they worked along State Road 574 near Bismark Palm Drive.
What You Need To Know
Flagger Force is joining together elected leaders, businesses, work zone safety experts and law enforcement to spread the work about work zone safety
Work Zone Safety Week kicks off today and runs all week
Florida sees dozens of fatalities and hundreds of serious injuries in work zones every year
Work zone speeding tickets usually carry a double fine as well as more points against your drivers license
Local leaders and safety advocates are using this moment to urge drivers to slow down and stay alert when traveling through active work zones.
The latest data paints a troubling picture. In 2024, 62 people lost their lives in work zone-related incidents. The prior year saw even higher numbers, with 70 fatalities and 276 people seriously injured, according to transportation officials.
Those figures grew more personal last week when two Hillsborough County workers were added to the list of injured. Authorities say the crash occurred when a driver attempted to pass an arrow signal the workers were operating — an action that can have devastating consequences in tight, controlled traffic environments.
Organizations like Flagger Force are leading efforts to improve safety by bringing together industry professionals, roadway workers, and elected officials. Their goal is simple: increase awareness and educate drivers about the realities of work zones.
“Those workers should have made it home that day,” said Conrad Garcia of Jorgensen Associates, a construction contractor. “They weren’t just part of a work zone — they were family members, friends, and colleagues. They deserved to return home safely.”
His message reflects a broader push to humanize work zone safety and remind the public that these areas are not just inconveniences — they are active workplaces.
Law enforcement is also reinforcing the legal consequences of careless driving in work zones. Speeding tickets in these areas come with doubled fines and carry more points against a driver’s license compared to standard violations.
As part of Work Zone Safety Week, Flagger Force recently hosted a public safety event featuring equipment demonstrations. The event gave drivers a firsthand look at the tools and systems used to protect workers and manage traffic flow.
By showcasing this equipment, organizers hope to give drivers a better understanding of how work zones operate — and why caution is critical.
The core message of Work Zone Safety Week is clear: slow down, stay alert, and respect the people working on the roads. Behind every cone, barrel, and sign is a person whose safety depends on the choices drivers make.
Work Zone Safety Week continues through the end of the week, with officials hoping increased awareness will help prevent further tragedies.