Over 20 Ohio counties have officially recognized the importance of work zone safety by adopting a resolution proposed by Ohio Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) during National Work Zone Awareness Week.
The resolution, which urges formal recognition of the heavy highway construction season’s start, highlights the shared responsibility for keeping road workers safe while emphasizing proactive safety measures for drivers navigating through construction zones.
“These men and women build the infrastructure that connects us to our economy, our livelihoods, our friends and family, and so much more,” said Summit County Executive Shapiro. “Their safety is everyone’s safety, which is why it is so important that we slow down, stay aware, and help keep each other safe on the road, especially in construction zones.”
Statistics reveal a concerning safety trend in Ohio’s work zones. From 2019 through early 2025, nearly 26,000 work zone crashes have occurred across the state, resulting in more than 9,000 injuries and 99 fatalities.
“The adoption of our resolution by so many Ohio counties and cities demonstrates a collective commitment to improving work zone safety and preventing future tragedies,” said Bethany Billi, director of Ohio LECET. “We must all remember the human cost of these accidents and take responsibility for creating safer roadways for everyone.”
Honoring those affected
During the awareness week, Dana King, whose son Alex – a construction union laborer – was fatally struck in a work zone in 2021, received recognition at a Dayton Dragons baseball game.
“It is important that we all step back and recognize the important work these amazing men and women do each and every day,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons president. “They are our family, friends and neighbors, and their safety should always be our top priority.”
As part of its outreach during the April 21-25 awareness campaign, Ohio LECET and partnering contractors also provided food trucks at various highway construction sites throughout the state to show appreciation for road workers.
