As road construction season begins, TxDOT officials are asking drivers to slow down and pay attention in work zones following an alarming increase in fatalities last year.
In 2021, traffic crashes in the state’s work zones claimed the lives of 244 people, a 33 percent increase over the previous year.
Drivers and their passengers accounted for most of the people who were killed in Texas work zone crashes last year: 195 motorists or vehicle passengers were killed, along with 38 pedestrians, four bicyclists and three roadside construction workers.
TxDOT officials say speeding and driver inattention were among the leading causes of the crashes.
“It’s cause for tremendous concern that the number of people killed on our roadways reached a 40-year high last year and fatalities in our work zones rose dramatically,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important for drivers to remember that driving conditions in work zones can be especially challenging because of extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers and vehicles that make sudden stops.”
“That’s why it’s crucial for everyone to give driving their full attention and drive a safe speed in areas where construction and maintenance are underway,” he added.
Spurred in part by those numbers, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week this week by sharing safety tips to prevent work zone crashes and fatalities.
The state’s Move Over/Slow Down law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law also can result in a fine up to $2,000.
All roadway safety professionals are encouraged to wear orange on Wednesday for “National Go Orange Day” to show their support for work zone safety.
