# WORK ZONE SAFETY Talking Points: Georgia 

**The Importance of Work Zone Safety in Georgia**

· Georgia has approved a $173 billion infrastructure plan through 2050 that includes many active work zones, impacting the average 5.9 million tons of freight moving across Georgia’s 1,200 miles of interstate highways and 20,000 miles of federal and state highways weekly[footnoteRef:1]. Georgia also ranks fourth in the country for fatal crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in work zones across the state[footnoteRef:2].  [1:  The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Freight Facts]  [2:  The Federal Highway Administration State Ranking for Fatal Crashes Involving CMVs in Work Zones] 

· Georgia is a multi-modal logistics center with the world’s busiest airport, the fourth largest inland port, and more than 30,000 companies that rely on the logistics industry to move goods[footnoteRef:3]. With the state’s continued expansion and year-round construction season, more passenger vehicles and CMV drivers traveling through Georgia’s roadways will likely encounter active work zones at any time, any day of the week.  [3:  The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Freight Facts] 

· In 2019, roadway departure and rear-end crashes accounted for 51% of work zone crashes[footnoteRef:4]. Both are associated with distraction, driving too fast for conditions, and driver impairment. All of these factors are entirely preventable. [4:  The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Work Zone Safety webpage] 

**Sharing the Road**

· Work zones present challenges for truck drivers across Georgia – 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 Georgia work zones.

· On average, large trucks are overrepresented in work zone crashes. In 2019, over 33% of fatal crashes involved Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) and compared to the year before[footnoteRef:5].  [5:  FARS 2019 Annual Report File, NHTSA ] 

· 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 and obey signs and signals while traveling through Georgia work zones.   

· 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.

· Be prepared to stop or slow unexpectedly, and when doing so, activate emergency flashers to alert vehicles behind you.

· 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.

**Georgia’s Active Work Zones**

· 55% of fatal work zone crashes involving CMVs occurred on an interstate highway in Georgia[footnoteRef:6]. As you travel through Georgia, it’s critical for all drivers – both CMV and passenger vehicle drivers – to share the road safely, particularly as they approach or enter work zones. [6:  FARS 2014-2018, NHTSA] 

· There are active work zones that may impact your driving throughout Georgia, including:[footnoteRef:7] [7:  The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Project Tracker] 

· I-16/I-75 Interchange Reconstruction in Bibb County

· I-16/I-95 Interchange Reconstruction in Savannah, GA

· I-285/I-20 West Interchange Reconstruction in Fulton County

· I-285 SR400 Interchange Reconstruction in Fulton County

· I-285 I-20 East Interchange Reconstruction in DeKalb County

**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. 

· GDOT also offers state-specific resources as part of their work zone safety awareness campaign page.

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