What Percentage of Work Zone-Related Accidents Involve Large Trucks?

Motor vehicle accidents in work zones often involve large commercial trucks. Statistically, the percentage of work zone crashes involving commercial trucks is greater than the percentage of overall collisions involving such vehicles.

Statistics indicate the problem is getting worse. Unfortunately, injured parties in such crashes often face various long-term struggles due to their injuries. However, compensation may be available to people injured in work zone crashes involving large commercial vehicles, depending on the causes of the accidents.

How Often Are Trucks Involved in Severe Crashes in Work Zones?

Data from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) indicate that commercial trucks play a role in a third of all work zone crashes resulting in fatalities. For example, large trucks were involved in 33.3 percent of fatal work zone crashes in one recent year. 

The data also show that location can influence the odds of large commercial trucks playing a role in such accidents. Between 2019 and 2021, trucks were involved in an average of 35.6 percent of fatal work zone accidents on urban interstates. On rural interstates, large trucks were involved in 58.7 percent of fatal work zone accidents during the same period.

What Are the Common Causes of Work Zone-Related Truck Accidents?

Work zone crashes involving large commercial trucks have several potential causes. A few examples include:

• Speeding
• Driving a truck too close to workers, other vehicles, equipment, hazards, etc.
• Lack of proper signage indicating hazards
• Distracted driving
• Lack of proper truck maintenance

Regardless of the cause, a truck crash has the potential to cause severe harm. Collisions involving large vehicles have greater odds of causing catastrophic injuries than crashes involving smaller vehicles.

Why Do Work Zones Increase Driving Risks?

Navigating a work zone can be more challenging than driving on an unrestricted highway. Truckers must adjust their normal driving behaviors in work zones due to reduced speed limits and reduced space in which to drive. They must also remain alert to altered traffic patterns, people and equipment near the travel lanes, and temporary signs and lane markers. Failure to make the necessary adjustments can result in work zone crashes.

According to ARTBA, other reasons trucks play roles in relatively large percentages of serious work zone crashes may include:

• Large numbers of trucks travel to work zones, increasing the odds of crashes.
• Work zones can be distracting environments that increase the chances of rear-end collisions.
• Work zones may be more common on roads that large commercial trucks travel.

ARTBA concludes that multiple transportation agencies must coordinate to address this issue on a larger scale. In the meantime, individuals harmed in work zone crashes involving trucks may have legal options they should be aware of.

Get Help from Our Truck Accident Attorneys Now

Have you sustained injuries in a work zone crash caused by a large truck driver or other party? If so, you may be eligible for compensation for losses such as your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other compensable losses.

Discuss your case with a lawyer for more information. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, a truck accident attorney can explain your legal options. Hire our firm, and we’ll fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us for a free case review.