New Data Shows Work-Zone Fatalities at Highest Level Since 2006

WASHINGTON (April 28, 2021) – According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, 842 people died in highway work-zone crashes compared to 757 the year before. The 11.2% increase is the largest percentage increase of highway work-zone fatalities since 2006.

Crashes in highway work zones happen most frequently when drivers are not paying attention to changing road conditions. Distracted driving is a key element of many crashes, leading many drivers to crash into other vehicles, highway equipment or safety barriers. 

Though highway workers are often among the victims of work-zone crashes, the dangers of reckless driving more often affect those behind the wheel and their passengers. Four out of five work-zone fatalities were drivers or passengers, according to FHWA data.

You can read a breakdown of the data here.