Why is it important?
Minor driving errors in work zones can often cause serious worker injuries and fatalities. Source: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), Maintaining awareness in work zones may help to prevent accidents.
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
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: Obeying road crews, signs, and signaling for safety when approaching a work zone, the FHWA and FMCSA recommend:
• Watching for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles – and/or workers in bright-colored vests — to warn and direct them where to go
• Signaling and braking to give other drivers plenty of time to notice intent
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
