Who are the majority of individuals injured or killed in work zone crashes?

The majority of individuals injured or killed in work zone crashes are drivers and passengers. This is primarily because work zones often lead to sudden changes in traffic patterns, reduced speed limits, and unfamiliar road conditions. When drivers are not attentive or fail to adhere to the new traffic controls, they are at an increased risk of colliding with another vehicle or with construction equipment.

While construction workers certainly face a high risk due to the nature of their work, the volume of vehicle traffic through these areas means that drivers and passengers ultimately experience a larger proportion of the crashes. There are also other vulnerable groups like pedestrians and bicyclists, but their numbers in work zone incidents are significantly lower compared to the overwhelming number of drivers and passengers involved in such crashes. Thus, understanding the dynamics of work zones and the behavior of drivers is crucial in enhancing safety in these areas.