AGC: Highway Contractors Report Growing Dangers in Work Zones

May 20, 2026 — 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 (AGC) 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 CEO. “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.

Among contractors who experienced work zone crashes, 27% reported crashes that injured construction workers, while nearly three-fifths reported crashes that injured drivers or passengers. In addition, 22% of respondents who experienced a crash reported a driver or passenger fatality, compared to 7% who reported a construction worker fatality. Contractors also reported that work zone crashes are increasingly disrupting project schedules and operations. More than half of respondents said crashes had delayed projects, with many reporting delays lasting multiple days.

“Work zone safety must continue to be a focus for our industry,” said Steve McGough, president and CEO of HCSS. “Reducing deaths and serious injuries in work zones will require better awareness, stronger enforcement and a shared commitment to safer driving behavior.”

More than half of contractors said highway work zone crashes pose a greater risk today than they did one year ago, while another 45% said the risk has remained about the same. Only 4% said work zone crash risks have declined over the past year. The survey also found growing frustration with work zone enforcement efforts. Nearly 40% of contractors said penalties for moving violations in work zones should be more severe, while 39% said current penalties are sufficient but are not being enforced enough. Only 29% of respondents believe current enforcement efforts are helping deter unsafe driving behavior in highway work zones.

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.

AGC is urging Congress to ensure that the next federal highway and transit reauthorization bill, which is due by the end of September, incorporates meaningful new highway work zone safety requirements, including provisions that encourage states to develop comprehensive work zone safety plans and strengthen enforcement and crash data collection efforts. AGC is also working with its nationwide network of chapters to support stronger work zone safety measures and public awareness campaigns at the state level.

“Better training, stronger enforcement, and improved public policies can help reduce crashes, but motorists ultimately bear the responsibility for slowing down and staying alert in work zones,” Shoaf said.

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.

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