Work Zone Safety

Tampa is booming. There as so many exciting projects underway that will change our city’s landscape and improve the quality of life for both residents and tourists. However, with construction comes change, and a big part of that means changes in traffic patterns which create work zones.

A work zone is an area of roadway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. It is often marked with signs, barriers, and you may see both workers, and work vehicles. The safe and efficient flow of traffic through work zones is a primary concern for the workers and their families, transportation officials, and the general public. In the video below, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority CEO Joe Waggoner discusses the importance of Work Zone Safety and steps you can take to keep everyone safe while on the road.

Work Zone Safety Facts:

  • A work zone crash occurs once every 5.4 minutes.
  • Every day, 70 work zone crashes result in at least one injury.
  • Every week, 12 work zone crashes result in at least one fatality.
  • Drivers are the most frequent fatality in work zone crashes.
  • Rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone crash.
  • Fatal work zone crashes occur most often in summer and fall.
  • Most fatal work zone crashes occur on roads with speed limits greater than 50 mph
  • Stopping distance for motor vehicles at 50 mph:
    • Dry roadway: 300 ft
    • Wet roadway: 400 ft
    • Icy pavement: 1,250 ft

Work Zone Safety Tips:

  • Remain alert! Pay attention to posted signs and electronic message boards.
  • Do not be a distracted driver – dedicate your full attention to driving.
  • Drive carefully and slowly through work zones and obey the posted speed limits.
  • Expect the unexpected. Anticipate potential dangers.
  • Do not tailgate or slow down to look at the work being done.
  • Do not change lanes within a work zone.

While work zones can be an unexpected or unwelcome change in your commute, driving safely through them can help keep the traffic moving and other drivers and construction workers safe. Remember, it only takes an extra 25 seconds to cover 1 mile at 45 mph compared to 65 mph.