Work Zone Safety Poster Contest
Public works and road agencies throughout Kent County collaborate for the eighth annual Work Zone Safety Poster Contest for third-grade students. From April 16 to May 6, third graders are invited to design a "caution sign" that helps spread an important safety tip for those traveling through a work zone.
The poster contest aligns with National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15 through 19, and supports this year’s theme, “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” Participating agencies include the cities of East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker and Wyoming, the Kent County Road Commission, and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
"Shaping the perspectives of young students can have a ripple effect, potentially transforming the behaviors of their family members behind the wheel. That can make a significant difference," noted Jerry Byrne, managing director of the Kent County Road Commission.
Work Zone Safety Poster Contest Entry Examples
Work Zone Safety Poster Contest Resource Folder
A Work Zone Safety Resource Folder includes a letter describing the contest, caution sign template entry, submission cover page and instructions, work zone safety videos, and tip sheet.
How to Participate
To participate, third-grade students are asked to design a “caution sign” that focuses on one of the following safety tips for driving through a work zone:
- Stay Focused/Avoid Distractions. Dedicate your full attention to driving. Avoid distractions like using a phone, eating or adjusting dashboard controls like the radio.
- Obey Flaggers and Work Zone Signs. Flaggers are people who help direct traffic safely through work zones. It is important that motorists obey directions given by flaggers and any temporary traffic control signs or devices. These help to define a safe path through the work zones.
- Slow Down, Move Over. Workers are often just feet away from motorists. That’s why Michigan’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to move over one lane when an emergency or road agency vehicle is on the side of the road with its lights flashing. If it is not possible to move into another lane due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, the motorist should slow down and pass with caution.
How to Create the Caution Sign:
Use the Sign Template (can be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper) to design a caution sign that focuses on one of the following safety tips for driving through a work zone:
- Stay Focused/Avoid Distractions
- Obey Flaggers and Work Zone Signs
- Slow Down, Move Over
Students may use crayons, markers, colored pencils, pens and/or pencils to create their design.
Options for Contest Submission (select one):
1. Families
- Scan or take a picture of the student's "warning sign" and email it to Maura Lamoreaux at mlamoreaux@kentcountyroads.net
- Make sure to include the student’s name
2. Teachers
- Third-grade teachers may submit entries for their class at one time following directions provided here.
Deadline: Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2024
Top Entries
- Winners will be notified the week of May 13
- Winners will receive a special prize of recognition during National Public Work Week, May 19 - 25
- All participants will receive a "Certificate of Appreciation"