What are the most common work zone accidents? A closer look at the numbers

As the summer construction season begins and those orange barrels and flashing arrows pop up along the highways, safety experts are putting out the annual reminder to motorists to slow down and stay alert in work zones.

This week marks the annual National Work Zone Awareness Week, amplified by state departments of transportation. This year, the campaign runs April 17 to 21 and comes on the heels of tragedies like the March 22 crash on Interstate 695 in Maryland that killed six construction workers and data that points to an increasing number of fatal crashes in work zones.

The Federal Highway Administration cites a combination of factors at play in deadly work zone crashes, including speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, and daily changes in lane patterns that can occur with large construction projects.

Work zone deaths by the numbers

According to numbers released by the National Workzone Safety Information Clearinghouse, more than 45% of worker deaths at road construction sites were caused by vehicles striking workers on foot.

In 2020, 857 people died in 774 crashes in work zones, marking a 10-year high for deaths and crashes in road construction areas. Of those fatalities, 117 were road construction workers and the others were motorists and passengers.

Location of the work zones is also a factor: 40% of all work zone crashes from 2018 to 2020 happened on an interstate in either and urban or rural setting. Principal arterials, freeways and expressways made up more than 36% of the total.

How to avoid work zone crashes

Natalie Garrett, a communications director with the Indiana Department of Transportation, said there are several ways to protect yourself and workers in construction zones.

"Some of the most important things people can do is slow down and obey the posted speed limits," Garrett said. "Paying attention to your surroundings and being aware of changing conditions in work zones is a big point. Just because you drove through a work zone yesterday doesn't mean it will be the same today."

In addition to obeying speed limits, here are other tips for work zone safety:

• Avoid distractions like cellphones. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 31 states have laws banning hand-held phones.
• Watch for changing traffic patterns.
• Follow the directions of flaggers.
• Expect delays and plan ahead to allow extra travel time.
• Use alternate routes when needed to avoid work zones.
• Slow down and move over for roadside crews and safety personnel.

National Work Zone Awareness Week runs through Friday. More information can be found at https://www.nwzaw.org/.