22 fatalities since 2023: National Work Zone Awareness Week begins [Video]

HARRISBURG, Pa. — As National Work Zone Awareness Week begins, state officials hope drivers can slow the uptick in work zone accidents, injuries, and fatalities. 

New information released Monday showed in 2023 PennDOT reported 1,216 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities. 

“It makes me think about wanting to get home to my family, so I’m constantly keeping a surrounding of myself and making sure my coworkers are safe,” said Zac Seidel, an equipment operator with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. 

Seidel has been a construction equipment operator for eight years and said in his experience that he’s often looking over his shoulder and those of his crew to make sure they are all safe. Seidel said he can only do so much, and it all comes down to the driver behind the wheel. 

“Just imagine if you were out there and working on the road and how you would …