GREENUP, KENTUCKY — From maintenance and construction forces to public safety and utility crews, roadside workers and emergency responders put their lives at risk every day while doing their jobs.

This risk can be lessened, though, if motorists remember their decisions are key to keeping people safe and making roadways safer.

On Monday, representatives from the Ohio Department of Transportation joined the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, contractors and law enforcement to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week.

The event, held at KYTC’s Greenup County Maintenance Facility, was underscored by a message from ODOT District 9 Michael Dombrowski, said work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“Work Zone Safety Awareness campaigns throughout the country bring attention to the need for safety of our construction and maintenance crews. They also remind us of the importance of keeping everyone safe on our roadways at all times,” he said. “While our crews and contractors work to protect themselves and the motorists, driving through work zones requires the attention of everyone.”

Last year, there were 4,662 work zone crashes last year in Ohio, resulting in 961 injuries. The vast majority of those injured and killed in work zones are motorists and their passengers. And in 2018, ODOT crews were struck 153 times while working along Ohio’s roadways.