Repairing and maintaining the infrastructure that supports our mobility and comfort is a year-round job, and springtime is a powerful reminder of just how big a job this is. Even a mild winter can take a toll on everything from paved surfaces to power lines.

The return of warmer weather brings with it a proliferation of road building and repair projects, with construction crews and equipment visible along the country’s local streets and highways.

As the number of workers on roads and highways increases, the risk of crashes and fatalities also increases. The risks apply equally to drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians. It’s no surprise that a host of organizations, including the Federal Highway Administration, state Departments of Transportation and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, sponsor National Work Zone Awareness Week in early April each year.