Distribution and Characteristics of Crashes at Different Locations Within Work Zones in Virginia

Work zones tend to cause hazardous conditions for vehicle drivers and construction workers since these work zones generate conflicts between construction activities and the traffic, and therefore aggravate the existing traffic conditions. Every effort should therefore be made to minimize the negative impacts of work zones. A clear understanding of the characteristics of work zone crashes will enhance the selection of the appropriate measures that can minimize the negative impacts of work zones.
This study investigated the characteristics of work zone crashes in Virginia that occurred between 1996 and 1999. The information on each crash was obtained from the police crash records. Each crash was located in one of five areas of the work zone; (i) Advance Warning Area, (ii) Transition Area, (iii) Longitudinal buffer Area, (iv) Activity Area, and (v) Termination Area. An analysis of the percentage distributions was then carried out, with respect to the locations of the crashes, the severity, collision types and different types of highways. The proportionality test was used to determine significant differences at the 5% significance level. The results indicate that the Activity Area (Area 4) is the predominant location for work zone crashes regardless of the highway type, and that rear-end crashes are the predominant type of crashes. However, the results also indicated that the proportion of the sideswipe in same direction (SS) crashes in the Transition Area (area 2) is significantly higher than that in the Advance Warning Area (Area 1).