Most work zone crashes are caused by inattentive motorists. It only takes a split second of distraction to dramatically change lives forever.

Michigan’s goal of Toward Zero Deaths on our roads includes our work zones. Sadly, the statistics tell us we are not at zero yet.

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

• 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 occur when there is work on the shoulder or median and at lane shifts or crossovers.

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

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. Often drivers or their passengers are killed or injured in work zone crashes.

Work zones play a significant and important role in building and maintaining our 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 online at 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, which modernizes work zone safety education for teens ages 15-19. 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.

Resources for parents and educators are also available from the ATSS Foundation. Take the free course: Teen Driver Program — ATSS Foundation online at https://foundation.atssa.com/our-programs/youth-programs/teen-driver-program/.

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

— The Daily Press, Escanaba