Most Common Types of Crashes by Work Zone Area

Work Zone
Most Common
Types of Crashes
by Work Zone Area
Problem:
A driver in clear
weather during mid-
Safety for
Termination
Area
lets traffic
resume
normal
Rear End
Fixed Object
afternoon comes upon
slow or stopped traffic
due to a work zone and
Drivers
operations crashes into another
vehicle, or in the
Work Space
process of avoiding
Traffic Space
allows traffic such, crashes into a
to pass through barrier, equipment or
the activity area pedestrian.
Activity Area
Rear End
is where work Fixed Object
takes place
Angle
Head on*
Solution:
Follow the
“Safety Tips”

Drive Smart:
Rear End
Transition Area
moves traffic out Fixed Object Buckle Up,
of normal path
Angle Slow Down,
Save a Life
Advance
Warning Area Rear End
tells traffic what to
expect ahead Fixed Object
This brochure provides
*Normally occurs in activity area information to drivers
with two-way traffic operations on work zone safety.
Legend
Work Zone http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/wsz.htm
Direction of Travel
Traffic Signs U.S. Department
Channelizing Devices (Cones, Drums, Barricades) of Transportation
Federal Highway
Administration FHWA-SA-03-012
Creating Safer Work Zones:
Improving Operations on Both Sides of the Barrel
Facts
Listen to
• During the past 5 years in work zone crashes more
than:
• Fatal work zone crashes occur most often in
summer and fall.
the signs.
—4,400 persons died (85 percent of which was
the driver or passenger)
• The majority of fatal work zone crashes occurred
on roads with speed limits greater than 50 mph.
ROAD
—200,000 persons were injured
• Drivers are the most frequent fatality in work zone • Stopping distance for motor vehicles at 50 mph: WORK
—Dry roadway~300 ft
crashes
• Most work zone fatalities involve working-age
—Wet roadway~400 ft
—Icy pavement~1250 ft Traffic is traveling in
AHEAD
adults both directions
Road
• A loaded 80,000 lb. tractor-trailer requires almost on a roadway
• Rear-end crashes (running into the rear of a 50% more stopping distance. that is work is
slowing or stopping vehicle) are the most common normally just ahead.
type of work zone crash. • It takes only an extra 25 seconds to cover 1 mile one way. Be prepared
at 45 mph compared to 65 mph. Be alert for for unusual
oncoming traffic. driving conditions.

Safety Tips for the Driver

Remember these driving tips to avoid “A Sudden Change in Plans” and perhaps PILOTCAR
save a life—including your own! FOLLOW ME
Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions Obey the Posted Speed Limit
Traffic needs to follow this
• Dedicate your full attention to the roadway • Workers may be present just feet away vehicle to get safely
• Avoid changing the radio station, using a mobile • Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations through the work zone.
A flagger
phone, eating, or other distractions that can • Be prepared to slow down further if conditions is ahead—
remove your concentration from the road indicate the need be prepared
to stop and/or
Keep Your Headlights On Change Lanes Safely follow instructions.
• Change lanes only where pavement markings DETOUR
Pay Attention to the Road
indicate, and only when traffic conditions permit 1000 FT
• “Listen to the signs”
• Watch brake lights on vehicles ahead Follow Instructions from Flaggers You
will need
END
• Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react
Expect the Unexpected
to take an
alternate
ROAD WORK
Merge into the Proper Lane • Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter
route soon.
You have reached the
• Merge well before you reach the lane closure your lane without warning end of the work zone.
• Be aware that traffic patterns can change daily • Other vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes Resume normal,
safe driving.
unexpectedly
Don’t tailgate A lane is about to
end, requiring you to
• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance Be Patient merge into the adjacent
lane. The “bent” lane shows which lane is ending.