Construction zones may cause delays and frustration, but they can also be downright dangerous. Studies show that Florida’s work zones are common sites for vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities and that drivers would be wise to exercise caution when traveling through active road construction areas.
Per the Florida Department of Transportation, more than 2% of all the serious injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes nationwide occur in road construction zones. Also, fatalities in work zones now account for about 3% of all road deaths across the United States.
Florida work zone crash statistics
Between 2015 and 2019, more than 50,000 car crashes took place in Florida’s work zones. Those 50,000 crashes produced about 380 fatalities and more than 2,400 injuries considered severe in nature. There are a few types of vehicle accidents characteristic of work zones that include rear-end collisions, alcohol-induced incidents, and distracted-driver crashes.
Florida work zone safety efforts
The Florida Department of Transportation reports that it is making efforts to reduce wrecks, injuries and fatalities in the state’s work zones. The department is asking law enforcement agencies across the state to beef up enforcement in these areas. The department is also waging a public awareness campaign targeting motorists to remind them how dangerous work zones are and how they should slow down and exercise care when navigating them.
Law enforcement agencies statewide are looking for all types of negligent driving behaviors in Florida work zones. However, they are especially focusing their attention on drivers who speed or drive distracted in these areas.
