June 25, 2025

By Lane Kimble

Where Wisconsin leads, the rest of the nation may follow when it comes to teaching people about work zone safety.

Tom Robins, founder of Work Zone Safe, celebrated WTBA’s efforts to become just the second state to launch the program while encouraging others to do the same.  Robins presented during ARTBA’s annual Council of State Executives conference in California this week.

“It is more dangerous to put down an orange cone in a construction zone than it is to fight crime in a police uniform,” Robins told attendees.  “We have an epidemic of digitally distracted drivers who need to learn that there is a face behind every flag, cone and flashing light.”

ARTBA’s conference included association leaders from nearly all 50 states, including WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas.

Robins applauded WTBA’s commitment to not only get Work Zone Safe up and running but also expand its reach.  Since launching in April 2024, more than 2,500 people in Wisconsin have successfully completed the online course.

Work Zone Safe Wisconsin teaches young drivers about the rules, signs, and people they’ll encounter in work zones, with real people sharing stories of how work zone crashes impacted their lives.

WisDOT has told all driving schools Work Zone Safe is a straightforward and effective way to comply with state law requiring at least 30 minutes of work zone-specific education per class.

WTBA, thus far, has awarded 13 program graduates with $500 monthly scholarships, sponsored exclusively by the Wisconsin County Highway Association.