DOTD erects memorial to lives lost in construction zones

DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue was joined by representatives from the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to remind drivers of the importance of staying alert and driving safely through work zones.

The DOTD established a safety cone memorial in front of its headquarters to honor those who have lost their lives in work zones. In 2023, the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse reported 898 work zone-related fatalities across the nation, including 14 in Louisiana.

“That was due to somebody not paying attention,” Donahue said. “That was due to somebody not observing and abiding by the laws that are out there. So, when you think about the risks and the benefits, saving a couple of minutes on your drive is not worth the loss of anybody’s life.”

“Respect is simply about recognizing the worth of a person and the things they do,” said Louisiana Highway Safety Commissioner Lisa Freeman. “Certainly, the workers in our work zones qualify for our respect. They have more than earned it. Even beyond the golden rule approach in treating our workers the way we would want to be treated, showing respect translates into good public safety. That’s something we should practice—in all places, at all times.”

National Work Zone Awareness Week runs from April 21 to April 25.