# WORK ZONE SAFETY Talking Points: INDIANA 

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

· Indiana borders several states including Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, which also leads to extensive CMV freight traffic on Interstates 65 and 70, the Borman Expressway (I-80/94), and the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90). 

· Of the nearly 4,000 documented crashes in Indiana work zones in 2019, more than 1,000 of them involved a CMV – slightly above 25%. 	Comment by Kara Frank: No source provided by IN DA

· More than 60% of work zone fatalities in 2019 were a result of a CMV-involved crash[footnoteRef:1]. [1:  Indiana ARIES Crash Data] 

**Sharing the Road**

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

· On average, large trucks are overrepresented in work zone crashes. In 2019, over 33 precent of fatal crashes involved commercial motor vehicles (CMV)[footnoteRef:2].  [2:  FARS 2019 Annual Report File, NHTSA.] 

· Indiana is known as the Crossroads of America because it’s the hub of several major interstate highways that crisscross. CMV freight traffic on the Borman Expressway and the Indiana Toll Road is legendary as these interstates have some of the highest truck counts in the country.

· 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 Indiana 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.

· 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 always maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

**Indiana’s Active Work Zones**

· Indiana is delivering an ambitious construction program that includes more than 500 active work zones impacting drivers across the state in 2022. As you travel through Illinois, 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.

· **Borman Expressway:** Northwest Indiana (I-80/94)

· **I-65:**North of Indianapolis

· **I-69:** Southwest of Indianapolis along SR 37

· **North Split:** Central Indiana

· **I-465 & I-69:** Central Indiana on the northeast side

· **Sherman Minton Bridge:**Southern Indiana connecting New Albany with Louisville

**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. 

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