National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) April 20-24, 2026

Safe Actions Save Lives: National Work Zone Awareness Week 2026

As construction season ramps up across South Dakota and the nation, it’s time for an important annual reminder: safety in work zones saves lives.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is a nationwide campaign held each spring to encourage drivers to stay alert, reduce distractions, and use extra caution when traveling through road construction areas. In 2026, NWZAW will be observed April 20–24, with the theme:

“Safe Actions Save Lives”

A Shared Responsibility on the Road

Work zones are a common sight during the busy summer travel months, and they require extra attention from everyone behind the wheel.

“All drivers need to take personal responsibility to eliminate distractions and stay focused on the road,” said South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Secretary Joel Jundt. “NWZAW is a concerted effort by many to raise critical public awareness to help all drivers understand their role in keeping fellow motorists and roadway workers safe.”

Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on a road trip, your actions matter.

Kick Off Construction Season with a Statewide Webinar

To help travelers prepare for the upcoming construction season, SDDOT is partnering with the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota (AGC) to host a free, public webinar.

2026 Statewide Construction Season Kick-Off Webinar

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 2 p.m. (CT) / 1 p.m. (MT)
Register here: https://state-sd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n5mviTIgTpqn0GVLQa4slQ

This online event will:

• Highlight major highway projects planned across South Dakota

• Share tools to help you plan safe and efficient travel

• Provide updates on work zone safety efforts

Attendees will also hear:

• Enforcement insights from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, including initiatives like the Move Over Law

• Contractor perspectives from AGC on staying safe in active work zones

• Details about AGC’s annual NWZAW billboard contest, where South Dakota third graders help promote work zone safety

Resources for Families and Classrooms

SDDOT is also helping younger audiences learn about work zone safety in a fun and engaging way.

Families and educators can access:

• Construction-themed coloring sheets

• Crossword puzzles

• Word finds

These materials, along with safety facts, employee stories, and awareness videos, are available here:

https://dot.sd.gov/inside-sddot/of-interest/work-zone-awareness-week

About National Work Zone Awareness Week

Each year, state departments of transportation, federal agencies, and partner organizations across the country participate in NWZAW. Together, they share important safety messages and public service announcements to help reduce crashes and save lives in work zones.

To learn more about national efforts, visit:
http://www.nwzaw.org