Highway Contractors Report Growing Dangers in Work Zones

Motorists continue to face far greater risks than construction workers in highway work zone crashes, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and HCSS. Association officials said the new findings show that distracted driving, inconsistent enforcement and rising safety costs continue to make highway work zones more dangerous for both motorists and construction crews. The association and HCSS also released a new video urging drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and stay alert in work zones during the busy summer driving season.

“Summer construction season means more crews working just feet away from fast-moving traffic,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer. “Too many drivers continue to speed, use their phones, or simply fail to pay attention in work zones, putting construction workers and motorists, alike at serious risk.”

According to the survey results, 60% of contractors reported experiencing at least one crash involving a moving vehicle in their highway work zones during the past year, while nearly one-third reported experiencing five or more crashes. The survey found that drivers and passengers are significantly more likely to be injured or killed in work zone crashes than construction workers.

Contractors are also facing increasing financial pressure related to maintaining work zone safety. More than one-third of respondents reported that rising material prices have affected their ability to purchase key safety equipment and materials such as barriers, signage and protective devices.

Contractors identified increased law enforcement presence as the measure most likely to improve work zone safety. Seventy-nine percent of respondents said greater police presence near active work zones would help reduce crashes, while nearly three-quarters supported stricter enforcement of existing work zone traffic laws. More than two-thirds also supported stricter distracted driving laws targeting phone usage in work zones and a majority supported automated speed enforcement measures.

The work zone safety study was based on a nationwide survey of highway construction firms the association and HCSS conducted this spring. More than 700 contractors completed the survey. Click here to view the survey results.