WisDOT joins Douglas County and industry partners to advocate for safe driving in work zones

​​​Release date: July 28, 2025

Nearly 100 construction projects are scheduled for the 2025 construction season in WisDOT’s Northwest Region, including the US 53 resurfacing project in Superior. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Deputy Secretary Scott Lawry today joined Wisconsin State Patrol, Douglas County Highway Department and industry partners at a news conference in Superior to stress the importance of safe, responsible driving in work zones.

“Safe work zones are not just a goal; they are a necessity to the thousands of men and women who work day and night to improve our roads and bridges,” WisDOT Deputy Secretary Lawry said. “These workers depend on us to keep them safe, yet they’re surrounded by distracted and aggressive drivers daily. We must do better and together we can save lives. Please be courteous and patient to fellow drivers, and eliminate distractions when behind the wheel – especially in work zones.”

According to WisDOT data, more than 2,150 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones in 2024, resulting in 10 deaths (including two construction workers) and more than 750 injuries.

“Work zones are a traveling inconvenience but think of the lives, including your own, you would forever change if you ever struck and killed or injured a highway worker,” said Jason Jackman, Douglas County Highway Commissioner.

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.

Today’s event held at the WisDOT Northwest Region office in Superior continues WisDOT’s season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across the state. 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 improve work zone safety?​

• Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and follow 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.gov/BUPD.