Work Zone and Roadway Risks
Introduction
On average, over 700 fatalities occur in work zones each year. Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and passenger vehicle drivers both need to be particularly careful while traveling through work zones.
Trucks and buses have limited maneuverability and large blind spots, both of which make operating in these areas more challenging for them. In fact, large trucks are disproportionately involved in work zone crashes.
Risks in and Around Work Zones
Workers in highway work zones are most often exposed to risk to injury from the movement of construction vehicles and equipment within and around work zones.
- Highway workers routinely work close to construction vehicles and motor vehicle traffic.
- Highway workers work in conditions of low lighting, low visibility, and inclement weather, and may work in congested areas with exposure to high traffic volume and speeds.
- Vehicle or equipment operators risk injury due to overturn, collision, or being caught in running equipment.
- Flaggers and other workers on foot are exposed to the risk of being struck by traffic vehicles or construction equipment most often if they are not visible to motorists or equipment operators.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. What is the most common reason flaggers and other workers on foot are injured by vehicles and equipment in work zones?
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