Contractor representative reminds drivers to see more than a vest, see a person

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman yesterday joined the Wisconsin State Patrol and a contractor representative to urge people to drive safely in work zones this construction season.

Each year, more than 2,000 crashes happen in Wisconsin work zones, putting workers and motorists’ lives at risk. At the news conference, Vinton Construction Safety Director Chad Heyduk reflected on how he strives to make sure employees get home after a day (or night) of work. He stated that it’s not just a policy but a promise. Heyduk urged drivers to see more than a vest – see a person.

Watch yesterday’s news conference to kick off the 2026 construction season and Work Zone Awareness Week. B-roll is placed at the end of this video (starting at 20:35). Please credit WisDOT if you use segments of this video.

How can people help improve work zone safety?

·       Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and follow posted speed limits.

·       Leave the phone alone.

o   Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.

o   Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.go​v/BUPD​​and share your commitment and challenge with others via social media using the hashtag #BuckleUpPhoneDown.

·       Move over, or slow down, when you see workers and vehicles with flashing lights along the highway. Wisconsin’s Move Over Law applies to maintenance operations, emergency response units and disabled vehicles.

·       Show support for work zone safety with the social media hashtags #NWZAW, #WorkZoneSafety, or #Orange4Safety (but please never text and drive).

·       A special thanks to the Hoan Group, the Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee is lit construction orange tonight (April 21) to recognize Work Zone Awareness Week.

·       Wear orange tomorrow (April 22) for “Go Orange Day” to show support of work zone safety. Tag your photo on social media with #Orange4Safety and #GoOrangeDay.

·       A nationwide moment of silence is planned for Friday (April 24) for people who lost their lives in a work zone incident.

o   Message boards across the state will display seven lives lost in Wisconsin work zones last year.

o   Additionally, construction staff and contractors on WisDOT’s project along WIS 144 near West Bend will pause operations for seven minutes at 7 a.m. Friday (April 24) to recognize the seven people killed in Wisconsin work zones in 2025.

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

WisDOT is currently airing two radio public service announcements (15-second and 30-second spots) across the state to emphasize safe driving in work zones, as well as using 511 Wisconsin to “know before you go”.