Stay Alert, Stay #SelmonSafe: Supporting Work Zone Awareness Week

Every day, road crews work hard to maintain and improve our roadways, ensuring safer and smoother travel for everyone. However, these work zones can be dangerous for both workers and drivers if the right precautions aren’t taken. That’s why the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is proud to support National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW)—a nationwide campaign dedicated to raising awareness about work zone safety and preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Why Work Zone Awareness Matters

Work zones are a necessary part of keeping our roads in top condition, but they also present challenges for drivers and workers. Lane shifts, reduced speed limits, and unexpected stops can increase the risk of accidents if motorists are not paying attention. According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, thousands of work zone crashes occur each year, many of which are preventable with safe driving habits.

How You Can Help Keep Work Zones Safe

Whether you’re commuting on the Selmon Expressway or traveling through other Tampa Bay roadways, here are a few key ways you can help protect road workers and fellow drivers:

Stay Alert & Minimize Distractions – Keep your eyes on the road and avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions.

Obey Posted Speed Limits – Speeding in work zones is not only dangerous, but it can also result in substantial fines.

Follow Signs & Flaggers – Work zone signs and flaggers provide crucial guidance to help traffic move safely.

Leave Extra Space – Maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle ahead, as sudden stops are more common in work zones.

Plan Ahead – Check traffic updates before your trip to anticipate work zones and potential delays.

THEA’s Commitment to Safety

At THEA, safety is always our top priority. Through ongoing roadway improvement projects and public awareness initiatives, we are committed to ensuring both drivers and road workers are protected. We encourage everyone to do their part in making Tampa’s roadways safer by driving responsibly in work zones—not just this week, but every day.

Let’s work together to Stay Alert, Stay #SelmonSafe!