Hundreds of construction projects are underway across the state to improve safety and mobility, including the WIS 33 reconstruction project in Baraboo. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen today joined the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA), Village of West Baraboo Public Works Department and industry partners at a news conference in Baraboo to emphasize the message of safe, responsible driving – especially in work zones.

“Safety is our top priority on Wisconsin roads, and highway workers and emergency responders are counting on us to keep them safe,” said WisDOT Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen. “Work zones may cause a temporary inconvenience, but our decisions behind the wheel can make an impact that lasts forever. Even a quick glance at a text or social media alert while driving can have life-altering consequences – especially in work zones where crews are often within feet of traffic. Please slow down, avoid distractions and be patient. Safe drivers create safe work zones.”

According to WisDOT data, more than 2,100 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones in 2023, resulting in nine deaths and more than 700 injuries. Speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes in Wisconsin. State law prohibits texting while driving on any road. It is also illegal to use a hand-held mobile device in work zones and in areas surrounding emergency response vehicles with flashing lights. Motorists are urged to buckle up and put their phone down when driving.

“County highway workers join their road crew counterparts in supporting any and all efforts to ensure drivers know how to safely maneuver work zones,” said WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden. “Raising awareness is the first, but most important, step toward keeping those crews safe as they do the critical work of ensuring Wisconsin’s roadways are as safe as possible for every traveler.”

Today’s event held at the WIS 33 construction project in Baraboo concludes WisDOT’s season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across the state. In Wisconsin, work zones include highway construction and rolling maintenance operations as well as emergency response, municipal projects and utility work along local roads. WisDOT engages with county highway partners, Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and others to promote safe driving in work zones.

How can people help? 

  • Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and obey posted speed limits.
  • Park the phone when driving. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.
  • Give space to emergency responders. Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
  • Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.go​v/BUPD​​.

Visit WisDOT’s work zone safety website for more tips and information.

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