More than 700 fatalities occur in work zones in the United States each year. Whether traveling for the upcoming holidays or commuting to and from work, we must be particularly cautious while driving through work zones.
According to the U. S. Department of Transportation, the top causes of work zone accidents are:
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Speeding
- Inattentiveness or distracted driving
Traveling safely, slowly, and attentively through work zones is critically important. Narrow lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, uneven road surfaces, and workers and equipment near moving vehicles present unique challenges.
Speeding is a significant factor in work zone incidents. To put it in perspective, a human struck by a vehicle traveling at 23 miles per hour (MPH) has a 10% chance of being fatally injured, as compared to a 90% chance of death if struck by a vehicle traveling at 58 MPH.
Consider the following work zone safety tips to protect yourself, road construction workers, and others:
- Reduce speed
- Pay attention to signs, signals, and channeling devices such as drums and cones
- Maintain extra distance between vehicles
- Expect the unexpected—be prepared to stop or slow
- Research and plan your route ahead of time
- Be patient and move early into an open lane
- Avoid distractions