Summer is the season of road construction projects. It often feels like you run into a work zone regardless of what route you choose to take. Construction is more common during the summer months because of favorable weather conditions, school breaks and vacations leading to reduced traffic, and high temperatures needed for some construction materials.
But more work zones can also mean more fatal accidents on the roads. These collisions are typically caused by following too closely to the vehicle in front of you, unsafe lane movement, driver inattention, failure to yield the right-of-way, running over objects on the roadway, improper lane changes, poorly designed work zones, and being run off the roadway.
However, one factor both causes wrecks and makes each of these mistakes more likely to occur: speeding.
Facts About Work Zone Crashes
There are many aspects of work zones that can make safe driving more difficult. Drivers experience lane closures, traffic pattern shifts and reduced speeds, all of which can lead to more wrecks when drivers fail to pay close attention while traveling through them.
In the state of Indiana, crash data from 2023 showed that 33 people were killed and over 1,750 people were injured in work zones, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). This includes both motorists and construction workers. Nationally, 4 out of 5 people that are killed in highway work zones are usually either drivers or passengers. 1 out of 5 is a pedestrian.
Additionally, rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone collision. A rear-end collision can be caused by roadway changes in construction zones, sometimes forcing drivers to brake unexpectedly. If a vehicle behind them is speeding or has not left enough stopping room, this can lead to rear-ending someone.
These accidents often occur in areas where traffic is entering or leaving work zones, as drivers may be changing lanes or merging while speed limits are also changing.
Some of the most fatal work zone crashes also occur on roads with speed limits that are normally over 50 mph, such as interstate roadways, making it more difficult for drivers to adjust to a change in the posted speed limit when approaching work zones if they are not careful.
When looking at semi-trucks and other commercial motor vehicles specifically, data from the National Workzone Safety Information Clearinghouse shows that large trucks were involved in 31.5% of fatal work zones crashes as recently as 2023. Between 2021-2023, trucks were involved in an average of 37.8% of fatal accidents in work zones on urban interstates, and 59.3% on rural interstates.
It is generally more difficult to drive in work zones. Drivers of both cars and trucks must adjust their normal driving behaviors due to reduced speed limits and limited space to drive when passing through work zones. They must also be aware of traffic pattern changes, people and equipment near travel lanes, and temporary signs or lane markers.
Attorney and Managing Partner of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, David W. Craig stated he unfortunately does not remember a summer in the past several years when he has not been hired to represent victims of car accidents with semi-tractor trailers. Many of the cases he has handled include wrongful death claims where the wreck occurred when traffic was stopped or slowed for the beginning of the work zone, typically where multiple lanes are reduced to one or two lanes.
“It has affected how I travel with my family on vacation in the summer,” David said. “I am hyper vigilant as I approach construction zones or slow and backed up traffic on the interstate.”
Semi-trucks often play a large role in serious wrecks occurring in work zones because they frequently travel to or through work zones to deliver their shipments. These environments can also be distracting for drivers, increasing the chances of rear-end collisions.
Speeding in Work Zones
Crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2021 almost 30% of all fatal crashes were speeding-related. In work zones, fatalities increased 63% since 2010.
Unfortunately, drivers tend to not reduce their speed to the posted limit in work zones. This problem is typically caused by factors like traffic delays, weather conditions, and lighting/work zone signage that is still posted when no workers are present. Regardless, drivers should pay close attention to their surroundings when entering work zones and be cautious of their speed.
Speeding through work zones is more dangerous when driving a semi-truck, dump truck, or any other commercial motor vehicle. Most large trucks and buses require the length of up to two football fields to safely stop. Failure to leave enough stopping room can result in rear-end collisions, and when that is combined with driving a large truck, it can be fatal. Driving faster than road conditions allow or choosing not to slow for ramps or curves also increases chances of rollovers and crashes.
While it may seem worth it to speed through a construction zone to reach your destination on time, it is not. In fact, it only takes one more minute to travel at 45 mph through a two-mile work zone than 65 mph. One minute is not worth putting lives at risk.
Safety Tips for Driving Through Work Zones
Although work zone conditions can lead to an increase in accidents, it is up to drivers to exercise caution while driving through them.
If possible, research your route ahead of time to try and avoid work zones. If you must drive through one, stay alert and pay attention to any signage that indicates reduced speeds, lane changes, and other important information. Be aware of other vehicles around you that may be making sudden lane changes, speeding, or in your blind spot. Also try to avoid semi-truck blind spots, such as the entire right side of the truck. Keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you and maintain extra space, when possible, to prevent a rear-end collision.
To Do’s for Victims of Semi Accidents in a Work Zone
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in an accident involving a big truck, bus, semi or other commercial motor vehicle, here is a quick list of things that should be done immediately.
- Hire a board-certified truck accident attorney.
Commercial motor vehicle cases are not the same as other personal injury cases. By picking a specialist in truck accident law, you will be sure that attorney knows the applicable federal and state laws. They will know the trucking industry standards, will likely have dealt with truck companies and insurance carriers, and will know what to do to preserve evidence and maximize the value of damages.
- Make sure the lawyer you hire has handled work zone cases.
These cases are different from other wreck cases. There are contractors, subcontractors, states, counties, and others involved. Work zones also change quickly. Evidence must be preserved faster than other cases.
- Don’t talk to the trucking company or its insurance adjuster. Do not give a taped statement.
From the moment a truck accident happens, the trucking company will do whatever it can to take care of its interests first. They may tell you there is no need to hire an attorney or even offer you a settlement below the compensation you deserve following one of these accidents. It is important you reach out to an attorney before doing anything with the trucking company or its insurance adjuster.
- Move quickly!
These will be tough times, but delays in getting a team together to protect you and your family’s rights could cause significant future harm, in addition to what you are already going through.
- Order the following two books on Amazon or request a free copy from Craig, Kelley & Faultless.
David has written two books, Semitruck Wreck: A Guide for Victims and their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, that can help you navigate what comes after an accident.
Injured in a Work Zone? Craig, Kelley & Faultless Can Help
Attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless are prepared and have the experience to help victims of commercial vehicle wrecks through every aspect of their case.
Their team-centered approach puts client needs at the forefront, and several attorneys will work on your case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Reach out for a free case consultation today at (800) 746-0226 or online.
David W. Craig is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, accredited by the American Bar Association in Truck Accident Law. He sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, both written to help people navigate what comes next after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.
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