Spring has Sprung and so has Construction Season

CLEVELAND - National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through work zones.

Last year, there were 4,098 work zone-related crashes in Ohio with 36% occurring when workers were present. There were 1,433 injuries from work zone-related crashes, 110 of them classified as serious injuries. Nine people were killed, including one contractor.

These statistics make this year's NWZAW theme of "Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever" really hit home.

"Driving requires all your attention, but that is especially true in work zones where things can change quickly. Drop the distractions, obey the speed limit, and allow extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of you," said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks, Ph.D.

Speeding continues to be a major factor in work zone crashes. In 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol wrote 3,760 citations with 34% for speeds more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.

"Our troopers are fully committed to looking for those dangerous behaviors such as distracted driving and unsafe speed within work zones. It is critically important that motorists remember to observe work zone speed limits and traffic signs," said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent. "It's been said before, first responders - and roadside workers - are willing to give their lives in service to others, but they would much rather live a life of service."

August was the top month for work zone crashes with 523. Summit County led the state with 576 work zone crashes followed by Cuyahoga County with 521, and Lucas County with 413. By far, the top work zone crash type continues to be rear-end crashes.

"We appreciate the Ohio State Highway Patrol and our law enforcement partners for their continued efforts to help make our work zone safe for the workers behind the barrels, and the travelling public," said ODOT District 4 Deputy Director Gery Noirot.

So far this year, 43 ODOT crews have been struck while working. This compares to 56 ODOT crews hit all of last year.