Environmental, Driver and Vehicle Risk Analysis for Freeway Work Zone Crashes

Fatal work zone crashes in Florida have risen more than 300% since 1999. Because freeway work zone crashes are the most common type of work zone crashes, this study seeks to identify the role of driver, vehicle and environmental characteristics on work zone crashes on freeways in Florida. Data from the Florida crash records database were used in the regression analysis. The results show that roadway geometry, cloudy weather, age, gender, lighting conditions, residence and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are significant risk factors correlated with work zone crashes. These factors can be used to help identify practices that will improve work zone safety.