Avoiding Work Zone Crashes

Summer and road construction are well underway through much of the nation. What you are seeing on the road today are projects that have been in the pipeline for several years. What is yet to come is hundreds of new road and bridge projects funded by the $1.7 billion infrastructure legislation enacted by Congress late last year.

While all of us in trucking are looking forward to improved roads and bridges, we need to recognize that we are in for several years’ worth of construction projects, along with the detours, delays and – yes – work zone crashes, many of which can be avoided.

Over the past 10 years, fatal crashes in work zones have increased from 521 in 2010 to 762 in 2019 across the nation. A recent random study of several serious work zone crashes revealed that NONE were the result of mechanical issues or brake failure, nor was substance abuse a factor in any of the examined crashes. Every single crash resulted from excessive speed, poor judgment or lack of alertness, or all three! These are all familiar terms to professional drivers. ICSA members can set the example by following simple steps to make sure they are not involved in work zone crashes.

Tips for Avoiding Work Zone Crashes

• Be alert. Avoid distractions! Reduce in-cab distractions so that you can be alert to those outside your vehicle.
• Heed advanced warning signs. Adjust speed, slow down and warn vehicles behind you by tapping your brake lights.
• Increase your following distance to allow time to react and avoid a crash.
• Be prepared for rapid changes in traffic flow and speed. Slow down and drive defensively.
• Watch for vehicles in your blind spots. Expect the unexpected.
• Don’t compete with other vehicles for position. it’s often safer to let others move ahead of you.
• Once you exit the work zone, be predictable. Signal your intentions well before you make them.

Mike Hitchcock

Mike has an extensive, life-long background as a driver, a mechanic, and an independent owner/operator. Before joining ICSA, he spent 23 years at Knight Transportation, where Mike was promoted to Regional Safety Director, and ultimately to Corporate Director of Safety for all Knight companies. In 2008, Mike moved to Phoenix as Knight’s Director of Recruiting and Driver Development, where he enjoyed being part of Knight’s growth and steadily improving safety performance. Mike's position as Safety Consultant at ICSA enables him to continue working to improve highway safety. Mike understands the trucking business from both a driver’s and a fleet’s perspective. He has experienced the challenges independent carriers face as they juggle profitability while minimizing the risks of accidents or legal challenges. Have operational or safety questions? Mike Hitchcock is your go-to.