Accidents in Work Zones a Concern: With More Projects Planned, the Danger for Road Crews Increases

The number of work zone accidents in Oklahoma has increased almost every year since 2003, 2007 being the highest. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has increased Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)’s yearly construction budget by some 50 percent. More projects may lead to more fatalities. To protect their workers, ODOT and its contractors use everything from static and flashing signs to bright-colored equipment, lower speed limits and crash-test barriers. But they are not always enough to protect workers or the motorists. Most of the people injured in highway work zone accidents are drivers. Tailgating was the leading cause of work zone injuries, causing about a quarter of all injuries since 2000. For further reference, the number of 2000-2009 Oklahoma highway work zone collisions by year is included.