As warmer weather arrives, construction work zones begin to pop up on our highways and roadways, a necessity to help maintain, repair, and upgrade them. But, they also entail dangers and hazards for motorists and construction workers. Drivers must navigate shifting traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, barrels, heavy equipment, trucks, and flaggers. At the same time, construction workers face just as many hazards and dangers, making work zone safety a top priority for everyone on the road.
Each April, an annual spring campaign marks the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through these work zones.
Respect the Zone so We All Get Home, the 2025 campaign focused on reminding others of the merits of work zone safety.
Speeding and distracted driving are leading causes of work zone accidents, along with drivers following too close or entering restricted areas. Failing to pay attention may lead to missed detours or failing to observe construction barriers.
Stay Safe with These Key Tips:
Manage your speed. That means slow down as you approach a work zone, follow posted speed limits, and only resume normal speed when you see signs indicating it is safe to do so.
Manage your space. Maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles, barriers, and workers. Merge carefully, take turns, avoid passing on the shoulder, and watch out for tailgaters.
Manage your stress. Pay attention and avoid distractions (such as the cell phone), and expect delays.
The Missouri Department of Transportation offers motorists these additional safety guidelines:
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Motorists are not the only ones responsible for work zone safety. Construction zone workers face many risks, as they are just as likely to be struck by construction or maintenance-related equipment (dump trucks, bulldozers, graders) as by cars, tractor-trailers, or other vehicles
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) outlines five key measures to reduce work zone accidents:
Construction Work Zones
According to the Federal Highway Administration, from 1982 through 2020, 29,493 individuals lost their lives in work zone crashes.
Work zone fatalities reached a 17-year high in 2021. Since 2013, work zones have grown increasingly dangerous. Between 2013 and 2021, work zone fatalities increased 61%. In 2021, over 105,000 work zone crashes were estimated to have occurred, resulting in over 42,000 injuries and 954 fatalities. (Source: Work Zone Barriers Crash Facts)
More motorists and road workers are being killed or injured in preventable work zone crashes. In a 2022 survey, most highway contractors (64%) reported crashes into their work zones.
Source of statistics:
When you have been seriously injured in a work zone accident due to another’s negligence, you need an experienced attorney who can help.. We will thoroughly investigate your case, assess your injuries, and answer any questions you may have.
Contact the capable counsel you need now. One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call us at (877) 284-6600 or contact our office online.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published April 11, 2022. It was reviewed on April 4, 2023, and again on April 17, 2025, and updated for content and accuracy. Statistics were updated again on April 16, 2024.
