Work zone safety is getting attention on and off the road this week, including a live television appearance on WALA-TV Fox 10 in Mobile.
Jen Eubanks with the Alabama Department of Transportation and Morris King of Rogers Group and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) joined In Depth with Sarah Wall to talk about work zone safety in Alabama and why driver behavior matters. They were joined by the Work Zone Safety Dog “Vaquito,” who helps deliver the message in a way people remember.
The FOX10 segment is part of National Work Zone Awareness Week 2026, a nationwide campaign focused on reducing crashes in construction zones. In Alabama, the effort is supported by ALDOT, AGC, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Alabama Road Builders Association.
New Alabama law targets speeding in work zones
A major focus this year is a new tool to improve safety. A pilot program signed into law by Kay Ivey allows for automated speed enforcement in a designated interstate work zone.
The goal is simple:
- Reduce speeding in construction zones
- Lower the risk of serious crashes
- Protect both workers and drivers
Speeding remains one of the leading causes of crashes in work zones, making enforcement and awareness critical.
Education starts early
Beyond enforcement, education plays a big role in improving work zone safety. King and his dog Vaquito regularly visit schools and community groups across Alabama.
- Programs often focus on elementary school students
- Students learn why slowing down in work zones matters
- Early education helps build lifelong safe driving habits
These visits bring a serious message in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.
Why work zone safety matters
Road crews often work just feet from moving traffic. That means small driver decisions can have a big impact.
Drivers are reminded to:
- Slow down in work zones
- Stay alert and avoid distractions
- Follow posted signs and flaggers
National Work Zone Awareness Week, held each spring, encourages drivers to take these steps every time they enter a work zone.
The 2026 theme reinforces the message:
“Safe Actions Save Lives.”
