ummer is in full swing and, as Alaskans, we know what that means: construction. For the casual driver, that might mean a slight delay on the way to or from work, or perhaps a longer delay on the way to a camping or fishing trip. But to construction industry workers, summer means trying to do a job while hundreds—or perhaps thousands—of people stream through their workplace. Most people are polite, respectful, and focused on their own goals. Some might be distracted—by technology, by traveling companions, by the surrounding scenery, by preoccupying thoughts, or myriad other reasons. Speed and distracted driving are the top two causes of accidents in work zones.
Notably, it’s not highway workers who are most often injured or killed in work zone accidents—it’s drivers and passengers in personal vehicles. In 2022, 742 drivers and their passengers died in work zones, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The National Work Zone Safety Clearinghouse reports that, in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 96,000 estimated total work zone crashes, 891 total work zone fatalities and 37,000 work zone injuries.
Although the data is sobering, there is reason for hope: the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported that fatal highway worker injury numbers have decreased from 124 in 2018 to 94 in 2022.
The week kicked off with Work Zone Safety Training Day, which emphasized the importance of laying the groundwork for safety through training. Companies were encouraged to pause for safety demonstrations or discussions about safety practices throughout the day. One safety focus by organizers this year was struck-by injuries, which were the second leading cause of death among construction workers between 2011 and 2021 and the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the construction industry between 2011 and 2020, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. Falls to lower levels were the leading cause of death during that timeframe.
On April 22, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or DOT&PF, Commissioner Ryan Anderson shared a message for drivers: remain vigilant.
“Work Zone Awareness Week is a reminder that behind every orange sign are skilled DOT&PF staff and contractors working together to improve safety and reliability for all Alaskans. We ask drivers to stay alert, slow down, and help protect the people building and maintaining the roads we all rely on,” Anderson said.
Construction industry workers across the nation marked Go Orange Day, April 23, by wearing orange to show their support of work zone safety. A social media storm in which construction industry workers were invited to share messages regarding work zone safety was held April 24, and NWZAW wrapped up on April 25 with a moment of silence in tribute to people who died as a result of a work zone accident.
- Avoid distractions. Focus on driving safely through the work zone and avoid distractions such as phones.
- Reduce speed. Obey posted speed limits through work zones.
- Be aware of workers. Work areas are often close to travel lanes, so be vigilant and slow down when workers are present.
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. Work zones often restrict where nonmotorized road users can travel and may make their travel more hazardous.
- Give commercial motor vehicles space. Narrow lanes, unexpected lane shifts, and longer braking distances are challenges for large vehicles. Allow extra space for all large vehicles to safely navigate work zones.
- Reroute. Follow signed detours or view traveler information sources that display active work zones and select alternate routes.