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Fast facts

Orange barrels set up in an active work zone.
Department of Transportation

Fast facts

Did you know that most work zone crashes are caused by inattentive motorists? It only takes a split second of distraction to dramatically change lives forever.

Michigan's goal of Toward Zero Deaths on our roads includes our work zones. Sadly, the statistics tell us we are not at zero yet. However, you can be a part of the solution by giving work zones your undivided attention.

Together we can achieve zero deaths on our roads and in our work zones!

2023 Work zone crash statistics

In Michigan, the Office of Highway Safety Planning reports the number of fatal crashes and injuries that occur in construction, maintenance and utility work zones.

In 2023, work zone crash statistics included:

  • 8,017 work zone crashes.
  • 21 fatal work zone crashes. 
  • 24 work zone fatalities.
  • 1,896 work zone injuries.

The highest number of work zone crashes occur when lanes are closed. The second and third-highest number of crashes occur when there is work on the shoulder/median and lane shifts/crossovers.

A road worker wearing a high visibility coat that reads Driving Down Distracted Driving at a Work Zone Awareness Week event.

Work zone facts

  • Most work zone crashes are caused by inattentive or distracted drivers.
  • Speeding, like driving too fast for conditions, is a leading cause of fatal work zone crashes.
  • More work zone crashes occurred in daytime compared to nighttime.
  • Fatal crashes occurred more often during the months of May through September.
  • Most often, drivers or their passengers are killed or injured in work zone crashes.

Information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.