Roadway Work Zone Facts: 2004

  • On average, more than three people are killed each day in the U.S. in work zone-related incidents.
  • Since 1997, work zone fatalities have grown by 70.4 percent, with 1181 fatalities in 2002 (the latest year for which we have data).
    Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
    Work Zone Fatalities 693 772 868 1027 1079 1181
  • On average, 40,000 people are injured each year in work zone-related incidents.
  • On average, 125 roadway construction workers are killed each year.
  • The fatality rate for roadway construction workers averages 32 people for every 100,000 workers. The rate for all construction is about 13 people and the general industry rate is about 4 people per 100,000 workers.
  • Roadway construction workers are killed at a rate nearly three times higher than other construction workers and eight times higher than general industry workers.
  • Hispanics make up about 19 percent of the construction industry’s work force, but account for 22 percent of the fatalities. The number of Hispanics involved in roadway construction approaches 30 percent.
  • Over 2 million new drivers get licenses in the U.S. each year; most are teenagers.
  • On average, one teen is killed every three days in a work zone related accident, accounting for 12 percent of all work zone fatalities.

This document is contributed by American Road & Transportation Builders Association

Last modified: 4/6/2004

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