Most crashes in road work zones are caused by inattentive motorists. It only takes a split second of distraction to dramatically change lives forever, the Michigan Department of Transportation warns.

Michigan’s goal of Toward Zero Deaths on the state’s roads includes work zones. Sadly, statistics indicate the state hasn’t reached that goal yet, MDOT states in a news release.

In Michigan, the Office of Highway Safety Planning reports the number of fatal crashes and injuries that occur in construction, maintenance and utility work zones. In 2024, preliminary work zone crash statistics included:

— 6,097 work zone crashes;

— 15 fatal work zone crashes;

— 16 work zone fatalities; and

— 1,065 work zone injuries.

The highest number of work zone crashes occur when lanes are closed. The second and third-highest number of crashes happen when work is being done on the shoulder/median and lane shifts/crossovers.

Risky driving behavior affects more than just the driver — other lives and families are at stake. Distracted, drugged or drowsy driving can have real-world effects on motorists, road workers and their families, the DOT advises.

Most work zone crashes are caused by inattentive or distracted drivers. Speeding, like driving too fast for conditions, is a leading cause of fatal work zone crashes. Most often, drivers or their passengers are the ones killed or injured in work zone crashes.

Work zones play a significant and important role in building and maintaining the state’s roads and bridges. To keep Michigan’s road crews safe and free from injury and death, it is important to understand the how and why of work zones. Learn more at Work Zones 101, https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/safety/road-users/work-zone-safety/work-zones-101.

Additional safety resources and publications can be found using this link: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/safety/road-users/work-zone-safety/media.

The National Work Zone Safe Teen Driver program, from the American Traffic Safety Services Foundation Foundation and partner WorkZoneSafe.com, provides a 100% free online safe driving course that modernizes work zone safety education for ages 15 to 19. Teens who successfully complete the online course are recognized and rewarded for their commitment to work zone safety with a completion certificate, a chance at a $500 educational scholarship drawing and possible insurance discounts through participating companies. To take the free course, go to https://foundation.atssa.com/our-programs/youth-programs/teen-driver-program/.

Additional resources for parents and educators can be found on the ATSS Foundation website, https://foundation.atssa.com/.

Knowledge is power and education is the key to making work zones safer for everyone.