This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the real risks faced by workers in construction zones and the drivers passing through them.
Work zones are not just orange cones and flashing signs — they’re job sites. And lives are on the line.
Here’s what the data tells us:
• In 2022 alone, 956 people died in work zone crashes.
• 123 of those fatalities were workers on foot — doing their jobs within inches of moving traffic.
• Roughly 1 in 3 work zone crashes involve speeding.
(Source: NHTSA, BLS, FHWA)
So, what’s causing these crashes?
Speeding. Tailgating. Distraction. Impatience.
Whether it’s a morning commute or a tight delivery schedule, the pressure to get there fast can have deadly consequences.
Let’s talk solutions — here’s what you can do:
For Work Zone Crews:
✅ Use proper signage at appropriate distances
✅ Incorporate flaggers, spotters, and advance warning systems
✅ Ensure high-visibility PPE is worn at all times
✅ Conduct toolbox talks before every shift
✅ Build in safety buffers and rotating shifts to reduce fatigue
For Companies with Drivers:
🚗 Train employees on recognizing work zone signage and speed limits
🧯 Provide defensive driving training focused on work zones
📵 Enforce ZERO tolerance for texting or using devices while driving
⏱️ Schedule drive time with flexibility — rushing is a major risk
📊 Use telematics or in-cab alerts to monitor risky behavior
Want help making it happen?
At Coia Safety & Consultative Services LLC, we help businesses develop custom safety programs that protect both roadside crews and the drivers passing by. From policy to training to coaching, we’re ready to support your team’s journey toward zero incidents.
Let’s protect the people who build, fix, and deliver what keeps our world moving.