Full Notification

National Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual campaign held each spring near the beginning of construction season to remind motorists of the need for caution in work zones. This year’s theme, “Don’t Be That Driver,” reinforces the message that drivers need to be constantly on alert and prepared for changes in and around work zones.

Across the United States, a total of 669 fatalities occurred in work zones in 2014, the highest total since 2009. Driver and vehicle passengers accounted for 82 percent of work zone fatalities. Work zone injuries landed at 31,251 in the same year, an increase of 9 percent over 2013.

Driver-related factors that affect work zone crashes include speeding, in-vehicle distractions, and inattentive or aggressive driving. The most frequently occurring type of work zone crash is a rear-end collision, so paying constant attention to traffic ahead and maintaining an adequate following distance is important in avoiding them. Cell phone use increases the rate of rear-end collisions, decreases brake time by 18 percent, and causes a 25 percent increase in erratic driving. In 2014, distracted driving was a factor in 16 percent of fatal crashes in work zones, while speeding was a factor in 29 percent.

Work zones are dynamic places that can change from minute to minute. The presence of construction vehicles, flaggers and queues, combined with reduced speed limits create an environment where being alert is critical. When motorists are alert, obey traffic control devices such as signs and pavement markings, maintain the posted speed limit and pay attention to traffic patterns, everyone's safety is enhanced.