Automobile accidents represent a significant threat to the health and lives of Washington’s citizenry. Every year, thousands of drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians fall victim to largely preventable accidents. And while causes like driving under the influence and distracted driving receive a lot of attention, the danger of work zones should not be ignored.
Work zone vehicle accidents
In 2019 alone, work zone vehicle accidents were responsible for 849 deaths and nearly 40,000 injuries. Washington accounted for 14 of those deaths, with many times that number injured. Nationally, work zone deaths have increased 44% since 2010.
Drivers of motor vehicles made up well over half of the total annual deaths, with 544 people losing their lives behind the wheel. Passengers accounted for 17% of the deaths – 144 of them died in work zones in 2019.
Pedestrian deaths were nearly as common as passenger deaths, with 130 victims being identified as dying due to a collision with a vehicle in a work zone. 56 of those were people working at the site. Even bicyclists were not immune in work zones, with 10 cyclists killed by motor vehicles.
The dangers of a work zone are not limited to the boundaries of the work zone itself. Behaviors and actions both entering and exiting work zone boundaries accounted for many of the accumulated deaths and injuries.
Work zones present a unique challenge for motorists. Heavy construction equipment can impede vision and provide a distraction from the task of driving. Pedestrians can be walking or working in close proximity to vehicles moving through or within the work zone. And traffic controls can require motorists to take unanticipated actions which confuse drivers and lead to mistakes.
Slow down and pay attention when negotiating work zones – it can keep you and your loved ones from becoming an automobile accident statistic.
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