Work Zone Awareness: Why is it important?

In work zones:

• 700 fatalities occur each year on average
• 30% of fatal work zone crashes involved at least one large truck – a rate that is significantly higher than the 11% of all fatal crashes that involve at least one truck.

Minor driving errors in work zones can often cause serious worker injuries & fatalities

Work Zone Awareness: Planning ahead:

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FMCSA advise drivers to:

• Research work zone locations before setting out
• Avoid work zones and use any detours available
• Scan ahead for traffic issues, work zones, and other dangers (1/4 mile on the interstate and 1-2 blocks in the city)

Work Zone Awareness: Moving Over

When approaching lane closures, the FHWA and FMCSA advocate:

• Moving into the open lane ASAP
• Paying close attention to vehicles that could be in a blind spot

Work Zone Awareness: Keeping your distance

Rear-end crashes are common in work zones. To avoid them, the FMCSA suggests that drivers:

• Maintain extra space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them