The ultimate price is someone’s life, maybe even your own.

That’s what roadway and utility workers are reminding drivers as more and more orange cones and work zones appear on roadways across the state and nation.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, the Washington State Department of Transportation will host the 2014 kick off for National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 7 through11. This event brings national attention to safety in work zones for both motorists and workers.

The 2014 Work Zone Awareness Week theme, “Work Zone Speeding: A Costly Mistake,” was chosen to highlight the costs for a driver who doesn’t slow down. They could face double fines and jail time. And, the ultimate price is someone’s life, a roadway worker, a family member or the driver’s own.

Those who do slow down in work zones can help set an example for young drivers. WSDOT statistics show that nearly 40 percent of work zone collisions in Washington involve a driver age 30 or younger.

Visit the WSDOT Work Zone Safety website for more information.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Kick-off Event

When: 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 8.

Where: State Route 99 work zone, follow signs to Terminal 46, with the event site at top of new South Atlantic Street Overpass.

Speakers: Greg Nadeau, Federal Highway Administration deputy administrator; Jack Van Steenburg, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration assistant administrator; Chief John Batiste, Washington State Patrol; Secretary of Transportation Lynn Peterson, WSDOT; Ken Lakey, WSDOT employee; and family of fallen WSDOT workers.

Visuals: The National Work Zone Memorial Wall, work zone cones and signs, WSDOT workers, family and friends

Important information: Please wear sturdy shoes. No parking is available at the event site. There are parking lots in the area and shuttles are available starting at 9 a.m. from WSDOT’s information center, MP 31, located at 211 First Ave. South, Seattle.