Drive Aware: Why Highway Worker Safety Depends on You

Daily, thousands of highway construction workers put their lives at risk to improve and maintain roads for the public. Despite the critical nature of their work, many of these workers face significant danger due to driver negligence, speeding, distracted driving, and lack of awareness. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a national call for drivers to stay alert and protect highway workers, especially during peak construction seasons.

At Kendall Law Group, we support this urgent message. As Kansas City auto accident injury and wrongful death trial lawyers, we represent victims and their families after catastrophic roadway incidents, including those involving highway workers. We believe it is crucial to highlight the importance of driver responsibility in construction zones, not only to prevent injuries but also to save lives.

In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week and the FHWA’s initiative, this blog will discuss the realities highway workers face, outline common causes of construction zone accidents, and provide guidance for drivers who want to keep roads safer for everyone.

The Reality for Highway Workers in the United States

Highway construction zones are high-risk environments. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 800 people lose their lives in work zone crashes annually, and many of those fatalities involve highway workers. These individuals often work just feet away from speeding traffic, with minimal physical protection.

Most work zone fatalities involve drivers and passengers. However, the workers themselves remain particularly vulnerable due to close proximity to moving vehicles, heavy machinery, and unpredictable driver behavior. A brief moment of inattention or recklessness can result in irreversible consequences.

The impact of these incidents extends beyond the immediate physical injuries. Families lose providers, coworkers lose colleagues, and communities lose individuals committed to public service. Preventing these tragedies requires a combination of awareness, education, and accountability.

Common Causes of Work Zone Accidents

Understanding what causes accidents in highway construction zones helps drivers avoid harmful behaviors and reduce collision risk. The following are leading factors contributing to these preventable incidents:

Distracted Driving

Texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking on the phone while driving through a construction zone can lead to severe consequences. Even brief distractions reduce reaction time and increase the chances of hitting a worker or colliding with construction equipment.

Speeding

Construction zones often come with reduced speed limits. These limits are designed to protect both drivers and workers. Ignoring them increases stopping distance and reduces control, which can lead to serious collisions.

Aggressive Driving

Tailgating, improper lane changes, and failure to yield are dangerous behaviors that become even more hazardous in tight or shifting work zones. Drivers who attempt to “beat the clock” put lives at risk.

Impaired Driving

Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications reduces judgment, coordination, and motor skills. Impaired driving remains one of the most preventable yet deadly factors in work zone crashes.

Failure to Follow Signage

Work zones often feature cones, signs, flashing lights, and flaggers directing traffic. Failure to follow these signals creates chaos and endangers workers and fellow motorists.

The Importance of Driver Awareness in Work Zones

The FHWA’s message is clear: slow down, stay alert, and give workers space. This message is more than a safety reminder. It is a call to action. Every driver shares responsibility for highway worker safety.

Consider these driver safety tips every time you approach or pass through a construction zone:

• Reduce your speed as soon as you see signage indicating a work zone ahead.
• Eliminate distractions by silencing your phone and focusing entirely on the road.
• Watch for workers, even if none appear immediately visible.
• Merge early when lanes are closed and avoid last-minute changes.
• Follow posted signage and respect the presence of flaggers and cones.

Taking these steps will not only reduce the likelihood of a serious accident but also demonstrate respect for those working to maintain safe roads.

Legal Consequences of Work Zone Accidents

Drivers who cause accidents in construction zones may face serious legal consequences, including personal injury lawsuits, criminal charges, and increased insurance penalties. In Missouri and many other states, fines for speeding or reckless driving in work zones are significantly higher.

If a worker sustains injuries or dies due to negligent driving, that individual’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases hold reckless drivers accountable and provide families with the financial resources they need to move forward.

At Kendall Law Group, we represent individuals and families harmed by negligent or reckless driving. When drivers fail to uphold their duty of care, legal action becomes necessary to protect victims’ rights and pursue justice.

Real People, Real Impact

It is easy to think of work zones as temporary inconveniences, but each cone, each sign, and each piece of construction equipment represents a person doing a job. Every flagger holding a sign is someone’s parent, child, or friend.

Taking a moment to slow down and pay attention saves lives. Behind every fatal work zone statistic is a story of loss and grief. Behind every near miss is a worker who may never feel safe on the job again.

How You Can Support Work Zone Safety Year-Round

Work zone safety awareness should extend beyond one week in April. Drivers can contribute to safer roads year-round by:

• Staying informed about road closures and construction schedules.
• Encouraging others to drive safely and respect construction zones.
• Advocating for stronger work zone safety measures in local communities.
• Reporting dangerous driving behaviors to local authorities.

Change starts with individual action. By modeling safe driving habits, motorists send a powerful message: highway worker lives matter.

Injured in a Construction Zone Accident? We Can Help

At Kendall Law Group, we represent injured highway workers, drivers, and pedestrians who have been harmed in or near construction zones. If you or a loved one has suffered due to driver negligence, we encourage you to take legal action to protect your rights.

Construction zones should never be a place of tragedy. They should be zones of progress, safety, and improvement. Let us help you seek the justice you deserve.

Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team stands ready to help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation. Call (816) 531-3100 or reach out HERE.

Let Us All Drive Like Someone’s Life Depends On It — Because It Does.

Remember: every cone and sign is there for a reason. Drive safely. Stay alert. Protect highway workers.