National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 15 -19
Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is excited to introduce the newest member of the NMDOT team, “Zippy” the roadrunner mascot! Zippy is dedicated to promoting work zone safety across the State of New Mexico, and will raise awareness around work zone safety, educate drivers, and share messages about the importance of staying safe in work zones.
Zippy’s introduction coincides with the start of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) on April 15, and the roadrunner educator will be sharing safety messages for the next several months. Zippy will be featured on NMDOT social media and through a variety of other communication channels.
As part of the launch of the Zippy campaign, NMDOT staff from District 1, District 3, District 4, and District 6 created roadrunners out of orange construction zone barrels (pictures attached). These roadrunners are placed in front of the NMDOT district buildings as an added tool to help raise awareness about work zone safety across the state.
“Work zone safety is a priority for NMDOT and the launch of our own safety mascot, Zippy, is just one of a variety of tools we’re using to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving practices in work zones.” said Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna.
More information is available on the NMDOT’S new Work Zone Safety webpage at https://www.dot.nm.gov/work-zone-safety/ , including Zippy’s top safety tips, downloadable coloring pages, and images of the NMDOT orange barrel roadrunners from across the state!
More About National Work Zone Awareness Week
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is held each spring as road construction projects ramp up with warmer weather. The goal is to remind drivers to pay attention as they approach and navigate through work zones so both motorists and roadway workers remain safe. This year’s NWZAW will take place from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19.
As part of NWZAW, Go Orange Day will take place on Wednesday, April 17. Wear orange on April 17 to show support for the men and women who work tirelessly to keep the nation’s roads in top condition and for the families who have lost loved ones in work zone crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA FARS) data, 891 people died in work zones in 2022, including 742 drivers and their passengers. Also in 2022, 94 highway worker occupational fatalities occurred in road construction sites according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These statistics emphasize the importance of drivers slowing down and staying focused while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.
In support of National Work Zone Awareness Week, NMDOT District One and TxDOT will co-host a press conference at the New Mexico / Texas state line on Monday, April 15.