The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently published a report concerning the role that large trucks play when traveling through work zones. In conjunction with National Work Zone Awareness Week, which took place April 26-30 this year, the FMCSA is specifically focusing on the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes within work zones.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 842 people died in highway work zone crashes in 2019— which is up from 757 the year prior. In addition, 33% of fatal crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Further, there was a 16% increase in the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks since 2018.
The FMCSA reported that the different factors contributing to fatal work zone crashes were:
- Rear-end collisions—These incidents increased by 29% from 2018 to 2019.
- Speeding incidents—Such incidents increased by 40% from 2018 to 2019.
- Worker fatalities at construction sites—These incidents increased by 9% from 2018 to 2019.
Ways to Stay Safe in Work Zones
There are a few ways that drivers can safely maneuver in work zones to prevent accidents. These include:
- Staying alert—Drivers should not allow themselves to become distracted behind the wheel.
- Obeying traffic signs—Drivers should pay attention to flaggers, if they are present, and obey any lane change or lane direction signage.
- Allowing for extra space between vehicles—Drivers should practice defensive driving habits—such as maintaining an adequate following distance behind other vehicles—and make sure they account for the risk of unsafe drivers on the road, as well as those who are not paying attention in work zones.
- Slowing down—Drivers should always obey any speed limit changes in work zones.
- Planning ahead—Drivers should plan their trips before leaving to know where possible detours are and how to route around them, if possible.
To reduce fatal crashes in work zones, the FMCSA will focus part of its safety awareness initiatives on three states—Florida, Georgia, and Texas. These states experience the highest rates of work zone crashes involving large trucks throughout the nation.
The FMCSA is also providing educational resources and shareable materials to help CMV drivers and the public minimize crashes in work zones.
For additional road safety resources, contact a team member near you at INSURICA.com/our-team today.
© 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Preparing for Freezes: Protecting Your School During Cold Weather
Preventing Frozen Pipes in Schools is essential to maintaining a safe and operational learning environment during cold weather. Frozen and burst pipes can cause costly damage, disrupt daily activities, and compromise the safety of students and staff. By taking proactive steps, schools can effectively mitigate these risks and ensure their facilities are prepared for freezing temperatures.
Cyber Case Study: Hack at Steel Mill Causes Physical Damage
In late 2014, the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) released a report detailing a disruptive cyber attack at an unnamed steel mill facility. The attack—which was deployed through a combination of social engineering tactics and malware— compromised several of the steel mill’s industrial control components. From there, equipment breakdowns and production outages ensued, resulting in extensive property destruction.
Winter Driving Tips for Truckers
One of the joys of the trucking business is the ability to travel across the country and experience the beauty of different roads from coast to coast. However, this also means you must prepare for various types of driving conditions.