# WORK ZONE SAFETY Talking Points

**Work Zone Crash Trends**

· In 2019, the most recent year for which data are available, 842 people died in highway work zone crashes compared to 757 the year before[footnoteRef:1]. The 11.2-percent increase is the largest percentage increase of highway work zone fatalities this century. [1:  FARS 2018 Final File and 2019 Annual Report File, NHTSA.] 

· On average, large trucks are overrepresented in work zone crashes. In 2019, over 33 precent of fatal crashes involved Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) and compared to the year before, the U.S. saw a 16 percent increase in the number of fatal work zone crashes involving large trucks or buses[footnoteRef:2]. [2:  FARS 2019 Annual Report File, NHTSA.] 

· From 2018 to 2019 fatal work zone crashes:

· involving a rear-end collision increased by 29 percent[footnoteRef:3] [3:  FARS 2018 Final File and 2019 Annual Report File, NHTSA. ] 

· where speeding was a factor increased by nearly 40 percent[footnoteRef:4] [4:  FARS 2018 Final File and 2019 Annual Report File, NHTSA. ] 

· involving worker fatalities at road construction sites increased from by nearly 9 percent[footnoteRef:5] [5:  2018 and 2019 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in cooperation with States, New York City, the District of Columbia, and Federal agencies] 

**Sharing the Road**

· Work zones present challenges for truck drivers – narrowed lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, and uneven road surfaces can lead to crashes and fatalities if they are not prepared and alert. Plan your route, reduce speed, stay alert, and do your part while traveling through work zones.

· Large blind spots, long stopping distances, and size constraints make maneuvering large trucks and buses in work zones particularly challenging. Passenger vehicles should be mindful that CMV drivers need to take extra precaution when driving through these areas.

· Pay close attention to road workers and flaggers – give them extra room, always slow when approaching them, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

**How to Drive Safely Through Work Zones**

· There are plenty of resources available to research your routes and check for upcoming work zones. Make sure you know of any road work before embarking on your route and when possible, use detours to avoid having to pass through these areas.

· Reduce speed while traveling through work zones, paying close attention to signs and signals.   

· Be aware of passenger vehicle drivers around you, who may not be aware of commercial vehicle driving challenges, including large blind spots and longer stopping distances.

· When approaching lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible – pay close attention to vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot. 

· Rear-end crashes are common in work zones – obey all speeds, avoid distractions and maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you at all times.

**Where to get more information**

· The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides work zone safety shareable materials and safety tips on the *Our Roads, Our Safety* website. 

· For additional work zone crash statistics, read the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration 2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week Fact Sheet.

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