Safety Tips – Work Zones

Each year in Texas, there are approximately 20,000 crashes and 175 people killed in highway construction and maintenance zones.

The two leading causes of work zone crashes are excessive speed and the failure to remain alert while driving. As a result, one in three work zone crashes is a rear-end collision.

Driver Safety

At any one time, there can be more than 1,000 Texas highway work zones in operation. Work zone safety and awareness is critical, both for drivers and the men and women that work on our highways every day.

Please keep the following tips in mind when driving through work zones:

• Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.
• Pay attention. Workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.
• Be patient. Delays from highway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.
• Plan ahead. Leave a few minutes early when traveling through a work zone in order to reach your destination on time.

Fines for moving violations in work zones can be as high as $400.

Work Zone Awareness Week

TxDOT is joining with the Federal Highway Administration and other transportation partners to observe the 11th annual National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 19-23. Watch our newest Traffic Statistic Public Service Announcement.