If you find yourself groaning or wishing you had taken an alternate route after encountering road construction in Kentucky, you are not alone. Though a necessary part of community life, road construction is often more than just a nuisance. Navigating Kentucky’s work zones is also quite dangerous, and the number of car wrecks occurring within them is on the rise.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the number of crashes taking place in the commonwealth’s work zones rose 20% between 2018 and 2019.
Kentucky work zone crash statistics
In 2019, there were a total of 1,251 car wrecks in Kentucky’s construction zones. Of those 1,251 work zone crashes that occurred, three fatalities and many serious injuries resulted.
Contributing factors
Work zones create many risks and hazards for motorists. Some of the hazards involve unfamiliar detours or lane changes, which may cause confusion among motorists used to navigating a certain path. Loose gravel, narrow lanes and obstructive signage or vehicles may, too, enhance crash risks.
The negligence of other drivers also increases work zone crash hazards. Many construction zone wrecks involve motorists who were speeding or following too closely behind other vehicles. Alcohol is also a common factor in many construction zone crashes.
Because of the rising number of crashes, injuries and fatalities taking place in Kentucky’s work zones, the commonwealth is working to raise awareness about associated risks. Kentucky now recognizes an annual Work Zone Awareness Week. It also launched other related initiatives, such as Glow Orange, which reminds motorists to slow down and exercise care in these areas.
