The arrival of warmer weather means construction work zones will be popping up on our highways and roadways. Work zones help maintain, repair and upgrade them. However, they entail dangers and hazards for those driving through them such as changes in traffic patterns, narrowed rights-of-way, navigating around barrels, heavy equipment and trucks, flaggers and more. Work zone safety is paramount for those doing the building, repairing and maintenance because there are just as many hazards and dangers to be aware of that can lead to personal injuries.
In April each year, an annual spring campaign is held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through these work zones.
Speeding and distracted motorists are the most common 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.
Manage your speed. That means slow down when approaching a work zone, follow the posted speed limits and don’t resume normal speed until you see signs indicating it is safe to do so.
Manage your space by keeping a safe distance between you and other vehicles, barriers and workers. Wait to merge and take turns, don’t pass on the shoulder and watch out for tailgaters.
Manage your stress. Pay attention (stay off the cell phone) and expect delays
The Missouri Department of Transportation gives motorists the following driving tips:
Questions? Call us at (877) 284-6600, Chat Online or use our Text Us widget.
Keeping a work zone safe for motorists is just one responsibility of those managing the site; keeping those doing the work safe is another because motorists are not the only ones who cause work zone accidents.
Construction zone workers 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
Accidents can be reduced by following MUTCD’s five parameters for improving worker safety:
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 will collect all the facts about the incident, assess your injuries and answer your questions.
Contact the capable counsel you need now. One of our experienced staff 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 updated for content and accuracy. Statistics were updated again on April 16, 2024.
