In 2015, 9 people in Washington died in work zones on state roadways and there were 32 reported collisions within a work zone on Washington State highways in Whatcom County. 'Nationally, there is a crash within a work zone every 14 minutes. The theme for this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, ‘Don’t Be That Driver!’, emphasizes the negative impact distracted driving has on accidents within a work zone. The Public Works Department will also be focusing on defensive driving through the busy spring and summer construction season. Let’s put down the phones, food, and other items and focus on what really matters when you are behind the wheel, driving safely.’