Work zones can be dangerous places, with heavy machinery, lane closures, and changing traffic patterns. Everyone must stay vigilant to prevent accidents and injuries. National Work Zone Awareness Week aims to bring attention to the hazards and risks associated with work zones and remind motorists of their responsibility to drive safely through these areas.

Thurston County Flagger Susan Scofield is passionate about safety in the work zone. She shared her experience of the benefits of Work Zone Awareness with Thurston County communication staff: 

“During National Work Zone Awareness Week, I want to share my experience as a flagger for Thurston County Public Works and the benefits of collaboration between road workers and the public to ensure safety in our work zones. 

A work zone provides an area of safety for road workers like me to carry out essential tasks. Whether it’s a long-term project or a constantly moving mobile operation, we use trucks, flashing lights, flaggers, advance warning signs, and temporary traffic control devices to help control risk on the job site. We also depend on the cooperation we receive from drivers. 

I ask that the public sees work zones not as an inconvenience, but as an opportunity to work with us to maintain the safety of our roadways. It’s important for all of us to be vigilant, follow directions, and reduce our speed when approaching a work zone. This cooperative effort can make a big difference in preventing accidents and keeping both road workers and drivers out of harm’s way.

I want to personally thank all the drivers who have joined us in keeping our roads safe. Your awareness, patience, and cooperation mean the world to us and truly make a difference. Let’s continue to work together, prioritizing safety within and around work zones for the well-being of both road workers and the driving public year-round.”