Highway Contractors Say Work Zone Crashes Rising

A recent study by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and HCSS reveals that 64 percent of highway contractors reported vehicle crashes in their work zones over the past year. The survey, which included 700 contractors, found that nearly half believe work zones are more dangerous now than a year ago, and 64 percent feel current penalties for moving violations are insufficient to deter unsafe driving. The study highlights significant risks to both workers and motorists, with 24 percent of respondents experiencing five or more crashes, and fatalities occurring more frequently among drivers and passengers than construction workers. AGC advocates for stricter laws and comprehensive data collection to improve work zone safety, emphasizing the need for automated enforcement and stricter regulations against distracted driving.