The Silent Peril: Crashes in Highway Construction Zones

Highway construction sites are fraught with risks, but one of the most dangerous threats isn’t falling debris or heavy machinery—it’s the reckless driver.

According to a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and construction software firm HCSS, nearly two-thirds of highway contractors have witnessed car crashes at their sites within the last year.

This stark reality calls for urgent action and innovative solutions.

A Troubling Landscape

Picture this: You’re on a busy construction site on a major highway. The team is focused, the machinery is humming, and then—out of nowhere—a car careens into the work zone.

This isn’t a rare nightmare—64% of surveyed contractors reported experiencing vehicle collisions in their work zones in just the past year.

Even more disturbing, 33% of these contractors have dealt with five or more such incidents. And while construction workers’ safety is at risk, it’s often the drivers who end up injured or worse.

Contractors Speak Out

Contractors are not taking this lying down. Their voices resonate with clear demands for change:

1. Police Presence: An overwhelming 82% of respondents believe that a greater police presence at construction sites would deter reckless driving. Imagine the impact of a flashing blue light on a speeding motorist—a visible reminder to slow down and respect the work zone.

2. Enforcing Violations: 72% of contractors call for stricter enforcement of moving violations. A mere ticket isn’t enough; there’s a need for a crackdown on those who endanger lives by flouting traffic laws.

3. Banning Distractions: With 66% advocating for stricter laws around cell phone usage while driving, it’s clear that distracted driving is seen as a major culprit in these accidents. Imagine a world where your phone buzzes and instead of glancing down, you simply drive on, knowing that a hefty fine could follow any moment of distraction.

4. Automated Speeding Tickets: And then there’s technology. 60% support automated ticketing for speeding in work zones. It’s not science fiction—it’s a practical solution. Cameras catching speed demons in the act, tickets delivered without delay.

Steve McGough, President and CEO of HCSS, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly:

“Automated enforcement laws would go a long way in improving work zone safety, especially if the work zone is on the driver’s daily route. It compels drivers to decrease their speed and pay closer attention to their surroundings.”

Seizing the Moment

The time is ripe for change. With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funneling public funding into construction projects, there’s a golden opportunity to implement these safety measures. Yet, as McGough points out, altering regulations is a marathon, not a sprint.

As our highways bustle with activity and expansion, the safety of both workers and motorists must remain a top priority. The survey results from AGC and HCSS offer a clear roadmap for enhancing safety in work zones. It’s time for policymakers to heed these insights and act decisively.