The vast majority of work zone fatalities are motorists and their occupants. About 10-15 percent of fatalities are workers and other non-motorized users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists.
The driver plays a key role in making work zones safer for everyone, especially themselves.
Driver-related factors that affect work zone crashes include speeding, distractions (such as cellphones, texting, radios and too many passengers), inattentive driving and aggressive driving. The main type of work zone crash is a rear-end collision, and adequate following distance is important in avoiding such crashes.
When motorists are alert, obey traffic signs, maintain the posted speed limit and pay attention to traffic patterns, everyone's safety is enhanced.