NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the launch of a new billboard design competition among city high school students to promote work zone safety. The We’re Working Here: Work Zone Safety Billboard Design Competition invites New York City high school students from grades nine to 12 to develop creative public service announcements that remind the public to slow down and take caution in work zones. Final submissions from students are due Friday, January 17, 2025, and New Yorkers can visit nyc.gov/WorkZoneSafety for more information.
“Our crews are out every day on our streets delivering critical infrastructure repairs and they deserve respect and care from their fellow New Yorkers sharing the road. If you’re behind the wheel of a car, you have a heightened responsibility on our streets—especially if you’re driving through a work zone: slow down and stay alert,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This Vision Zero competition helps instill these important messages in a fun and engaging way for students as they reach driving age.”
Each year, over 900 people lose their lives and an estimated 42,000 are injured in work zone incidents across the country. The competition encourages the next generation of drivers and all roadway users to think through ways to change dangerous behaviors and prevent work zone intrusions that can lead to injuries and fatalities for both the public and work crews.
The first-place winning design will be debuted on a billboard as part of New York City’s recognition of National Work Zone Awareness week in April 2025. Students have a chance to hone their graphic design skills and creativity, be a part of a professional-level media campaign and win a cash prize for their schools. First place winner will receive $1,000; second place will receive $750; and third place will receive $500 for the student’s respective school. Winners will be announced in spring 2025.
This competition follows the previous We’re Walking Here competition NYC DOT held for students to develop a public service announcement around pedestrian safety.
Through Vision Zero, NYC DOT takes a holistic approach to keep crews safe on work sites, including through the use of automated enforcement targeting speeding through work zones; internal education and training; and safety equipment like back-up cameras and retro-reflective markings.
