According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, work zone accidents are on the rise, and 96% of those involved are drivers and their passengers. In Washington State alone, an average of 850 highway work zone injuries occur each year! Major causes are speeding, inattention, and driving too fast for road conditions.
Drivers can help lower these statistics and save lives by following some suggested safety tips:
- It is important to slow down, follow the posted speed limits, and stay alert. Workers, construction vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane unexpectedly. Research shows that 30% of fatal work zone accidents involve a large truck.
- Rear-end accidents are most common in work zone areas, so be patient, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid tailgating.
- Traffic patterns in work zones can change daily and 40% of crashes happen in traffic before reaching the work area, so obey signs and flaggers directing vehicles and merge safely, well before a lane closure.
- Factors such as weather, construction, and surface modifications, can cause driving hazards in work zones. To avoid having an accident, be aware of road conditions when passing through work areas.
Download a high-resolution file of Work Zone Safety.
