Photo: ODOT

Oregon work zone crashes hit a five-year high in 2024 — 621 crashes — according to the latest data from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The crashes claimed 14 lives and resulted in 36 serious injuries.

Most work zone crashes involve drivers, not road workers. In 2024, all of the serious injuries and deaths in work zones were to drivers or their passengers. Each crash was preventable.

Safe driver actions save lives

April 20-24 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. It encourages safe driving through work zones and highlights the workers who risk their lives to keep our roads safe, clear and flowing smoothly.

Work zones are a shared space between drivers and road workers. Your decisions behind the wheel matter.

Pay attention. Distracted driving is a leading cause of work zone crashes.
Slow down. Speed limits in work zones are lowered for everyone’s safety.
Move over. When you see road workers, safely change lanes to give them space. If you can’t move over, slow down.
Plan ahead. Navigating work zones will add time to your trip. Before you leave, visit TripCheck.com for the latest closures, detours and delays.

Work zones can be anywhere

As summer nears, drivers will see more work zones statewide. But work zones aren’t just orange barrels and lane closures. If you see someone working along the road, that’s a work zone; slow down and move over.

These people rely on you to keep them safe:

Emergency responders helping stranded or injured travelers.
Road maintenance workers fixing potholes, paving roads, trimming trees, or replacing signs.
Tow truck drivers helping disabled vehicles.
Utility workers from your local utility company ensuring power, water and other services reach your community.

Remember, work zones are still “active” even if you don’t see anyone working in the zone when you drive through it. Fines double for speeding and other unsafe (and unlawful) behaviors in work zones, too.

Source: ODOT