Wisconsin State Patrol Warns Drivers of the Dangers of Cell Phone Use in Work Zones and Emergency Response Areas

Wisconsin State Patrol warns drivers of the dangers of cell phone use in work zones and emergency response areas
April Law of the Month: Work zone and emergency response safety

Cell phones are the biggest distraction for drivers, putting motorists, pedestrians and anyone working along the road in danger. Anytime a driver takes their eyes off the road, they put themselves and others at risk of a serious crash. People working on the road in work zones and emergency response areas are especially vulnerable to crashes caused by distracted driving and rely on drivers to do their part to stay alert and put their phone down.

“Your cell phone isn’t worth someone’s life,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “One quick glance down is all it takes—a crash can happen in an instant. Using a hand-held cell phone while driving through a work zone or emergency response area is not just illegal, it puts everyone at risk of a serious or fatal crash.”

The Wisconsin State Patrol’s April Law of the Month reminds drivers that hand-held cell phone use is prohibited while passing through and within 500 feet of work zones, utility work areas and emergency response areas, except to report an emergency.

By the numbers:

• According to preliminary data, there were 9,048 distracted driving crashes in Wisconsin in 2025, resulting in 31 fatalities and 3,660 injuries.
• On average, there are more than 2,000 work zone crashes per year in Wisconsin. That’s one work zone crash every four hours.
• Over the past five years, there were 47 deaths and 3,638 injuries in Wisconsin work zones.
• In 2025, Wisconsin State Patrol issued over 10,000 citations and warnings for traffic law violations in work zones.
• Fines double for certain traffic violations where crews are working on highway maintenance, construction, utility work, emergency response and roadside response.

Tips for motorists:

Crashes caused by distracted driving and cell phone use are preventable. Do your part to keep roadside workers and other motorists safe with these tips:

• Buckle up, phone down. Eliminate distractions. Looking down for just 5 seconds at 55 mph takes a driver’s eyes off the road for the length of a football field.
• Drive safely and slowly through work zones and emergency response areas.
• Be patient. If you don’t see workers, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Always be watchful for workers and vehicles throughout the work zone.
• Give workers space. The Move Over Law requires drivers to provide a safe zone for stopped emergency response and maintenance vehicles with warning lights activated. If you can’t move over, slow down. 2025 Wisconsin Act 54​ adds the same protections for certain disabled vehicles.
• If you must use your phone, pull over in an authorized area and find a safe location to do so or use a voice-operated or hands-free option.
• If you’re a passenger, speak up if you see someone on their phone while driving. Encourage friends to make safe choices and model safe driving habits for kids, young drivers and peers.
• Plan ahead. Leave early or take an alternate route when construction is anticipated. Know before you go with 511 Wisconsin. Download the 511 Wisconsin app or call 5-1-1 for the latest travel information across the state.
• Expect the unexpected. Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be shifted, and crews may be working on or near the road.
• Keep your distance. Rear-end collisions are common in work zones and emergency response areas, so give yourself extra space.
• Use the zipper merge strategy when lanes are reduced, alternating turns to merge​.

View the April Law of the Month video and news release online: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/law/lom.aspx

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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