fbpx
Insurica
Pay Now
Client Login

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.

Subscribe to the blog

Related Blogs

OSHA Announces Top 10 Violations for 2024

December 3rd, 2024|Blog, Risk Management, Trending|

OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2024 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to plan their compliance programs.

Holiday Shopping Online? Remember These Cybersecurity Tips

December 2nd, 2024|Blog, Personal Insurance|

Online shopping has made it easier than ever to peruse the wares of various businesses and vendors from the comfort of your own home as you search for the perfect gifts this holiday season. However, conducting transactions over the internet always involves inherent risks, as cybercriminals may be lying in wait.

Most Common Vehicle and Driver Violations Leading to Out-of-Service Orders in 2024 Fiscal Year

December 1st, 2024|Blog, Risk Management, Trending|

To help drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) remain safe and keep trucking businesses in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Hazardous Materials Regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records the number of violations discovered through roadside inspections conducted by Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program inspectors.

Go to Top