TAMPA, Fla. - Roadwork is everywhere in Florida.

What You Need To Know

  • This week is Work Zone Awareness Week

  • It’s a reminder from FDOT to drivers to watch out for road crews

  • From 2020 to 2023, FDOT data shows there were 293 deaths and 277 serious injuries in work zones across the state

  • FDOT officials recommend drivers stay alert, drive at the posted work zone speed limit and watch out for shifts in traffic patterns

As crews work to help improve the congested roadways, they’re asking for drivers to help keep them safe. David Alonso, a project manager with the Florida Department of Transportation, is currently in charge of the new Howard Frankland Bridge construction. That’s a spot where crews are out at all hours on the side of the road.

“I get nervous every time I go in and out because I know how distracted drivers can be,” Alonso said.

That’s why he’s advocating for Work Zone Awareness Week, as a reminder from FDOT to drivers to watch out for road crews.

“Just picture yourself merging into traffic on an acceleration ramp. But then doing that nonstop because that’s what the workers experience out here,” Alonso said.

From 2020 to 2023, data from FDOT shows there were 293 deaths and 277 serious injuries in work zones across the state. Of those crashes, more than half were rear-end collisions.

“When the majority of crashes are caused by rear end collisions, it makes you nervous. Because you know what’s really behind that,” Alonso said.

Alonso feels it’s distracted driving that leads to many of these crashes. FDOT officials recommend drivers stay alert, drive at the posted work zone speed limit and watch out for shifts in traffic patterns. Whether it’s the middle of the night or during rush hour, Alonso asks that drivers use extra caution in work zones.

“I just found out I’m going to be a dad,” Alonso said. “I sense an extra level of responsibility to spread that news that every life matters. It’s in all our hands. Safety is in all our hands.”