NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
https://www.nhtsa.gov
Work zones on U.S. highways have become increasingly dangerous places for workers, drivers and passengers. There are a large number of work zones in place across America; therefore, highway agencies are working on not only improving communication used in work zones, but to change the behavior of drivers so crashes can be prevented.
A work zone is an area where roadwork takes place and may involve lane closures, detours and moving equipment. Highway work zones are set up according to the type of road and the work to be done on the road. The work zone can be long or short term and can exist at any time of the year, but most commonly in the summer.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, over the past five years, more than 4,400 people died in work zone crashes — of which, 85 percent were either a driver or passenger. During that same time period, 200,000 others were injured. Drivers are the most frequent fatality in work zone crashes, which usually involve vehicles rear ending slower or stopped vehicles.
National Safety Council data shows that more than 100 road construction workers are killed in construction zones each year. Nearly half of these workers die as a result of being struck by motor vehicles. The number of construction zone injuries and fatalities are predicted to climb even higher. Increased funding for road construction during recent years has led to a significant increase in the number of highway construction projects around the country. Increased speed limits, impatient drivers and widespread traffic congestion have led to an overall increase in work zone injuries and fatalities.
Work zone safety
In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag to tell you which direction to travel, slow down or stop. You must follow these instructions. Barriers, such as drums, cones and tubes (panels), are used to keep traffic out of hazardous work zones. Along with signs and road markings, they guide you safely through the work zone. Barriers may be used to keep drivers from entering closed roads or other areas where it is dangerous to drive. Temporary traffic signals may also be used in work zones, and you may see a warning sign showing a symbol of a traffic signal. Stop at the white line if present.
Speeding in work zones
When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go. All temporary signs in work zones have an orange background and black letters or symbols that tell you what to do, how soon you will encounter the work zone and the speed limit through the work zone. The reduced speed limits are necessary for the safety of the workers and motorists. If there are no reduced speed limit signs, you should obey the normal posted speed limit.
As a driver, you should learn and abide by the following safety tips for driving in work zones:
- Watch the traffic around you and be prepared to react by reducing your speed, obeying signs and flaggers and increasing your following distance.
- Do not become oblivious to work zone signs when the work is long term or widespread. Be aware that traffic patterns in work zones can change daily, including lane shifts or alternating lane closures.
- If traffic is light and speeds are still relatively high, merge early. If congestion increases, traffic slows down and gaps between cars close up, merge late and use the “zipper” method.
- Use extreme caution when driving through a work zone at night whether workers are present or not.
- Adjust your lane position away from the side where workers and equipment are located when possible.
- Some work zones are mobile and moving, such as when line painting, road patching or mowing are occurring. Just because you do not see the workers immediately after you see the warning sign does not mean they are not out there. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says, “End Road Work.”
- Expect delays, plan for them and leave early to reach your destination on time.
- When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.
For more information about work zone safety for drivers, check out the Federal Highway Administration’s brochure at https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/fhwasa03012/fhwasa03012.pdf.
FYI
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. The 2024 NWZAW is scheduled for April 15-19. This year’s theme is “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” For more information, visit https://www.nwzaw.org/participate.html.