A maze of orange cones and concrete barriers. Flashing lights. Heavy machinery. Construction zones are a common sight. But how often do we think about the potential dangers they pose?
In a world that constantly demands speed and efficiency, it's time to hit the brakes and take a closer look at why we all need to slow down and exercise caution when traveling through these work zones. It also doesn’t hurt, especially as drivers take to the roads for summer travel, for construction workers too to take some time to consider the extra precautions they can take to protect themselves and the traveling public.
Activity is booming
In many places, roadwork and construction usually take place during the warmer months, typically from spring to fall. The summer is a particularly busy time for road work due to favorable weather conditions, with longer daylight hours and drier, warmer temperatures, making it the ideal time for construction crews to undertake road maintenance and improvements. During the warmer months, it's easier to lay asphalt and perform other construction tasks during this time. However, roadwork can occur at any time of the year depending on the specific project and local conditions. And it often needs to happen, for a variety of reasons.
In the U.S. alone, drivers travel more than three trillion miles each year. That’s about 5,000 round trips to the moon! This heavy traffic takes a toll as far as wear and tear of our roads. Various other factors impact our roads as well; water seeping through weakens the base of roadways, making them vulnerable to cracks and potholes. Plus, some parts of highways and other transportation infrastructure are centuries old and are in dire need of updating.
Fortunately, in the U.S., government funding for highways has grown over the past five years, particularly with the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, which included $350 billion in highway funding over five years. We are currently seeing a lot of this funding in action right now.
Quick decisions with lasting consequences
With the abundance of construction projects and maintenance work requiring drivers to navigate through temporary changes to the road layout, there’s more reasons than ever that all of us need to boost our work zone awareness. After all, the decisions made behind the wheel in these environments can have lasting and potentially devastating consequences. While work zones are temporary, decisions made in these areas can have permanent and life-altering effects.
In Baltimore recently, a 20-year-old driver was sentenced to 18-months in jail after a plea settlement following his involvement in a March 2023 accident, caused by speeding, that resulted in the death of six construction workers. Another driver involved in the incident is awaiting trial.
From 2021 to 2023, there were 2810 work zone fatalities and approximately 110,000 people injured as a result of accident in and around work zones. In 2023 alone, nearly 53% of fatal work zone crashes involved heavy vehicles, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance when navigating through these zones. Heavy vehicles, including semi-trailers, passenger buses, vehicles carrying livestock, mobile cranes, road trains, and B-double freight trucks, require more time to slow down and speed up. Therefore, it is essential for drivers to be attentive and look out for heavy vehicles entering and leaving work zones, maintaining a safe distance to allow for proper maneuvering.
...work zone crashes do not only endanger the lives of construction workers but also pose significant risks to other road users.
These statistics highlight the critical need for work zone awareness when driving, not only for the safety of construction workers but also for the well-being of all road users.
It is important to note that work zone crashes do not only endanger the lives of construction workers but also pose significant risks to other road users. In 2023, the primary victims of work zone crashes were drivers of motor vehicles, pedestrians, passengers of motor vehicles, and bicyclists. This highlights the far-reaching impact of work zone safety on the entire community.
Five safe driving tips
To ensure awareness when driving through work zones, here are some safety tips for drivers traveling around work zones:
- Slow down and adhere to the posted work zone speed limit, driving no faster than what is safe for road conditions. This means being aware of changing road surfaces, lane shifts, and other potential hazards within the work zone.
- Merge safely when lanes are reduced due to road work, and be mindful of other vehicles on the road. Give ample space and signal your intentions clearly to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and minimize the risk of accidents.
- Avoid distractions and keep your focus on the road. Refrain from using your phone while driving, and also minimize other potential distractions within the vehicle to maintain full attention on the road and surrounding conditions.
- Maintain a safe following distance and avoid tailgating to allow for ample stopping distance in case of emergencies. This is especially important in work zones where sudden stops or lane changes may be necessary.
- Be vigilant of road crews and follow instructions and construction area road signs. Show respect and consideration for the workers' safety by being aware of their presence and following any instructions given, such as reduced speed limits or lane closures. This helps ensure the safety of both drivers and road workers.
Four tips for worker safety
Construction workers need to be aware of the surroundings and follow safety procedures to avoid accidents. Some precautions to consider:
- Always be visible to oncoming traffic by wearing high-visibility clothing and using appropriate signage and barriers. This includes wearing reflective vests, using reflective tape on equipment and barriers, and positioning warning signs and cones at suitable distances to give drivers ample notice of the work zone.
- Stay alert and aware of the traffic flow around the work area, maintaining a safe distance from moving vehicles. Constant vigilance is crucial to anticipate any unexpected movements from drivers and to ensure the safety of both the workers and the motorists.
- Communicate effectively with co-workers and drivers, ensuring clear understanding of tasks and potential hazards. Clear and concise communication is essential to coordinate work activities and to alert drivers about any upcoming changes in the road layout or traffic flow.
- Be prepared for unexpected actions from drivers and maintain a proactive approach to mitigating risks. Anticipating potential hazards and being prepared to take quick, decisive action is vital to ensuring the safety of everyone in the work zone. This includes having escape routes planned and being ready to react to any sudden or erratic driving behavior.
Work zone awareness when driving through work zones is essential for the safety of all individuals on the road. By following work zone safety tips, being attentive, and showing consideration for construction workers and fellow road users, we can collectively contribute to creating a safer driving environment in work zones.
Let us remember that decisions made behind the wheel can have lifelong consequences, and it is our responsibility to prioritize safety and mindfulness when navigating through these temporary environments.
