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
