FDOT highlights new technology and safety strategies during Work Zone Awareness Week to better protect drivers and roadside crews across Florida

Tallahassee, Florida – In a state where road construction never truly pauses, safety has become more than a priority—it is a constant responsibility. This week, the Florida Department of Transportation is drawing attention to that reality as it marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual initiative focused on protecting both workers and drivers in active construction zones across Florida.

The message is simple, yet urgent. Work zones are not just temporary inconveniences for motorists—they are active workplaces where crews operate in close proximity to fast-moving traffic. For FDOT, the week serves as both a reminder and a call to action, emphasizing that safety depends on a combination of engineering, technology, and human behavior.

“Our roadside crews work around the clock to deliver projects and maintain Florida’s transportation infrastructure,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Let’s keep them safe in work zones. Please remember to slow down, move over, and stay alert and free of distractions.”

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Behind that message is a growing effort to rethink how safety is managed on busy roadways. In recent years, FDOT has leaned into innovation, searching for ways to reduce risk through advanced tools and smarter systems. One of the most notable initiatives is the Safety Work Zone Innovation for Today and Tomorrow, or SWIFTT Challenge, launched in 2024. The program brings together private companies, engineers, and public agencies to develop creative solutions aimed at reducing work zone hazards.

The results have already begun to take shape. Technologies that emerged from the competition were introduced on interstate resurfacing projects starting in January 2025. These systems combine several cutting-edge elements—LiDAR, radar, cameras, and wearable devices—to create an early warning network for workers. In practice, that means crews can receive alerts through smart watches or wearable speakers when a potential collision risk is detected, giving them precious seconds to move to safety.

The push for innovation did not stop there. A second round of the SWIFTT Challenge, held in December 2025, identified another breakthrough: a truck-mounted robotic pavement marking system. Unlike traditional methods that require workers to manually apply road markings in live traffic, this system automates the process using geolocation data. By reducing the need for workers to stand directly in active lanes, it addresses one of the most dangerous aspects of road construction.

At the same time, FDOT is expanding its use of Smart Work Zones, a concept first introduced in early 2024. These zones rely on portable, real-time technology to monitor traffic conditions and communicate directly with drivers. Sensors placed throughout a work zone collect data on vehicle flow and speed, allowing officials to adjust traffic patterns quickly when congestion or risk levels rise.

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Drivers, in turn, receive updates through variable message signs that display information about lane closures, speed changes, and alternate routes. The goal is not just to inform, but to guide behavior—helping motorists make safer decisions as they approach and pass through construction areas.

Yet even with all the technology in place, officials stress that the human factor remains critical. This year’s campaign theme, “Safe Actions Save Lives,” underscores a reality that statistics continue to confirm. Nationwide, the majority of fatalities in work zones involve drivers and passengers, not workers. That fact shifts part of the responsibility squarely onto those behind the wheel.

Simple actions can make a measurable difference. Staying alert, obeying posted speed limits, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a safe following distance are all behaviors that reduce risk. In work zones, where conditions can change quickly, even a moment of inattention can have serious consequences.

FDOT officials are urging motorists to treat every work zone with caution and respect. Shifts in traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, and the presence of heavy equipment all require heightened awareness. For drivers, that may mean slowing down earlier than expected or preparing for sudden stops.

The broader goal is clear—fewer crashes, fewer injuries, and ultimately, zero fatalities in work zones. Achieving that goal will require continued investment in technology and infrastructure, but also a cultural shift in how drivers approach construction areas.

As Work Zone Awareness Week continues, FDOT’s message echoes across highways and city streets alike. Safety is not just engineered into the road—it is shaped by every decision made behind the wheel. And in the narrow space where traffic meets construction, those decisions carry more weight than ever.