TOPEKA - A new course focusing on work zone safety has been launched for Kansas drivers.

Kansas Work Zone Safe is a free online driving course aimed at teaching teens and other new drivers how to safely navigate through work zones. The course will include information on safe behaviors, laws and situations drivers may encounter in work zones.

Current data from the Kansas Department of Transportation shows 1,705 work zone crashes occurred in Kansas in 2024 – an average of 4.6 per day. Those crashes resulted in 508 injuries and eight fatalities.

“Behind every flag, cone and flashing light are highway workers and first responders who have families that want them to come home every night,” said Haley Dougherty, KDOT State Highway Safety Engineer. “This course is designed to raise awareness in new drivers about safe driving practices in work zones, which should make the work zone safer for all.”

With an estimated 2,500 miles of construction let by KDOT in the last several years and taking place this year, many highway workers will be relying on drivers to slow down and pay attention so everyone can make it home safely.

Drivers can access the course at WorkZoneSafe.com by clicking the link for the Kansas course. Students who complete the course will be eligible for a scholarship to be awarded at a later date. Details about the scholarship incentive will be provided as they become available.

The new platform begins during National Work Zone Awareness Week, a campaign focused on increasing work zone safety. Go to KDOT’s website, ksdot.gov/travel/traveler-safety/work-zone-safety, or KDOT’s Facebook page, facebook.com/KSDOTHQ.

The Kansas Work Zone Safe course is supported by KDOT, the Kansas Contractors Association and other transportation organizations across the state. For more information, visit WorkZoneSafe.com.