USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER

Investigation of Highway Work Zone Crashes: What We Know and What We Don't Know

Publication Information

Publication External Link:
Publication Type:
Summary Report
Publication Number:
N/A
Abstract:

In this study, the magnitude and characteristics of work zone crashes were examined using accident data files from 1991 and 1992 for three HSIS States. About 2 to 3 percent of all police-reported crashes were work zone crashes. In 2 States, work zone crashes were slightly less severe than non-work zone crashes. Work zone crashes were more likely to be rear-end and sideswipe than non-work zone crashes. As of 1992, 14 States explicitly recorded work zone crashes on their police crash report forms. In another 21 States, work zone crashes could be identified through other items on their police forms. It is recommended that: (1) uniform definitions of "work zone type" and "work zone crash" should be developed and implemented; (2) methods for determining exposure in work zones should be developed; (3) issues related to work zone crashes should be considered during the development of new accident reporting technologies; and (4) a "special study" of work zone safety should be conducted in cooperation with selected States to develop a more detailed understanding of the relationships between work zone designs and crashes.

Publishing Date:
October 1996
Author(s):
Council, Forrest
FHWA Program(s):
Safety
Research
AMRP Program(s):
Safety Data and Analysis
FHWA Activities:
Highway Safety Information System
Subject Area:
Safety and Human Factors