Spring brings a surge in road construction across Illinois, prompting the Illinois Department of Transportation and partners to launch their “Safe Actions Save Lives” campaign for National Work Zone Awareness Week. With Governor Pritzker proclaiming April 20-24 as Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, officials urge all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and eliminate distractions when nearing construction zones. The latest data show that, as of 2026, the Illinois State Police have responded to 640 work-zone crashes, with 91 resulting in injuries. New efforts include real-time work zone data sharing and increased photo enforcement. Remember: see orange, slow down, and help ensure everyone—drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians—gets home safely. Visit itsnotagameillinois.com for more information.
“At IDOT, we are doing more than ever this year to fix and modernize roads and bridges. Please remember to remain alert for work zones, slow down and give our crews plenty of room to do their jobs,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “The people wearing the vests behind the cones and barricades want to get home at the end of the day, just like you.”
“Safety is a shared responsibility when driving through road construction work zones,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Already in the first three months of 2026, ISP alone has handled 640 crashes in work zones, 91 of which resulted in injuries. It’s simple: Slow down and pay attention when driving through work zones to keep road workers, you and other drivers safe.”
Crashes in Illinois work zones are on the rise, with preliminary 2025 data showing 35 fatalities—an alarming jump of 22 over last year. While no workers have died, most victims are drivers and passengers. Each year, Illinois averages nearly 6,200 work zone crashes and over 1,000 injuries. Motorists are urged to slow down, obey signs, and minimize distractions. Iconic bridges across the state will be lit orange, promoting the message: safety comes first.
“At the Illinois Tollway, safety is at the core of everything we do, especially as construction season gets underway,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Slowing down, staying alert and avoiding distractions in work zones protects everyone on the road. When we each take responsibility, we help ensure everyone gets home safely.”