National Safety Month Targets Roadways, Work Zone Accidents, Crash Increases
WASHINGTON—The National Safety Council recently kicked off the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month this month, calling on organizations and individuals across the country to take action against preventable injuries—a leading cause of death in the United States.
Established in 1996, National Safety Month has grown into a nationwide movement that equips employers, workers and communities with practical tools and resources to reduce risk. Each week in June focuses on a different safety topic, each with the same aim: to save lives, from the workplace to anyplace.
This week, the NSC is highlighting “Staying Safe on the Roads.” According to the New York State Department of Transportation, during 2025, there were 572 crashes in work zones on New York State roads that led to 87 injuries and three deaths of highway workers and vehicle occupants. On the Thruway system alone, the number of work zone crashes increased by a shocking 46% from 2024 to 2025.
“For three decades, National Safety Month has united businesses, advocates, agencies, nonprofits and individuals around the shared goal of making workplaces, roadways and communities safer,” said CEO Lorraine Martin of NSC. “The National Safety Council is proud to have spearheaded this effort for the past 30 years, and we look forward to continuing the vital work of raising awareness, providing resources, and spreading the value of safety, health and wellbeing for all.”
Throughout June, NSC will spotlight the following critical safety topics:
Week 1: Moving Safety Forward
Week 2: Staying Safe on the Roads
Week 3: Promoting Holistic Worker Health
Week 4: Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
NSC invites employers, safety professionals and individuals to join the movement and value safety not just in June, but year-round. To sign up and receive free safety resources, visit nsc.org/nsm.
Published: June 9, 2026.