# Work ZONE SAFETY Talking Points: Illinois

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

· Every day, travelers and residents drive across Illinois’ 15,969 miles of roadway and 7,847 bridges[footnoteRef:1].  [1:  Illinois Department of Transportation Highway System] 

· Consistently, the state ranks as one of the top states with the highest number of work zone crashes involving a CMV. 

· In 2021 alone, Illinois saw 16,070 crashes involving a CMV, which included 136 fatal crashes resulting in 157 fatalities[footnoteRef:2].  [2:  IDOT – Bureau of Data Collection Crash Information System] 

· Of the 136 fatal CMV-involved crashes, 6.6% occurred in a work zone[footnoteRef:3]. [3:  IDOT – Bureau of Data Collection Crash Information System] 

**Sharing the Road**

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

· On average, large trucks are overrepresented in work zone crashes. In 2021, over 30% of fatal crashes involved a CMV[footnoteRef:4].  [4:  Work Zone Safety Information Clearing House] 

· 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 Illinois 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.

**Illinois’ Active Work Zones**

· Illinois currently has more than 507 active work zones impacting drivers across the state, including: 

· Ramp to Interstate 57 SB 

· I-280 WB 

· I-290 EB MP6 over I-355 

· I-80 EB Des Plaines River 

· I-57 SB Missouri State Line 

· 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.

**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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