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

INSURICA
INSURICA

Share This Story

Stay Updated

Subscribe to the INSURICA blog and receive the latest news direct to your inbox.

Related Blogs

Five Strategies for Reducing Workers’ Compensation Costs

May 29th, 2025|Blog, Risk Management, Trending|

When a company experiences significant increases in workers’ compensation costs, it usually triggers internal activities aimed at reducing insurance costs and spending. The key to spending fewer dollars is more than just stopping a few accidents; it is having a sound safety program designed to continuously improve. This is where a safety program that, at a minimum, is compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards can yield significant savings for by reducing injuries and illnesses, saving workers’ compensation dollars.

Hidden Risks of Summer School: Operational Safety Strategies Schools Can’t Ignore

May 21st, 2025|Blog, Education|

Summer school risk management is essential to ensuring student and staff safety during the warm months. Many districts overlook the unique challenges tied to summer school risk management. Often, summer sessions operate in secondary campuses, under temporary staffing, and with reduced oversight—making them vulnerable. Proactive planning is essential to keep students and staff safe in environments that may not be designed for extended year-round use.

Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Construction Industry

May 19th, 2025|Blog, Construction, Trending|

The construction industry is continuously moving toward digitization, adopting advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Building Information Modeling software. These innovations help to automate tasks, reduce waste and improve efficiency, productivity and safety.

Go to Top