Write Up:

Safe and efficient travel for the public through work zones is crucial, which is why crews in work zones are expected to conduct operations safely. MoDOT makes every effort to inform the public to pay attention, slow down, move over, buckle up and drive without distractions. MoDOT’s goal is zero fatalities in work zones, and only through continued efforts from MoDOT, the contracting industry and the driving public can that goal be accomplished.

For the third quarter of 2023, there were nine on-system work zone crashes, resulting in ten fatalities. In the same reporting period, there was one off-system work zone crash that resulted in one fatality. Contributing factors to these crashes are similar to all crashes statewide, with three involving a vehicle traveling too fast for conditions, one involving a pedestrian and two involving an impaired driver. All four crashes occurred at night.

To reach the goal of zero fatalities in work zones, an internal review is conducted on each fatal crash to determine if the crash qualifies as a true work zone fatality. These numbers are included in the overall totals for each road classification (state and local). Crash reconstruction documents have been requested for two of the crashes from the second quarter of 2023. After a review of these documents, an internal review will be performed to determine if the work zone was active and played a role in the fatality crash.

Poor driver behavior remains a primary factor in fatal crashes. Community outreach and public awareness campaigns, such as Buckle Up Phone Down, are helpful, but ultimately MoDOT is dependent upon the driving public to make good choices when driving in work zones. Many challenges remain for MoDOT, with changing driver behavior at the top.

Purpose of Measure:

This measure tracks the number of traffic-related and non-traffic-related fatalities, injuries and overall crashes occurring in work zones on state-owned and off-system roadways.

Measurement and Data Collection:

Missouri law enforcement agencies submit a vehicle accident report form to the Missouri State Highway Patrol to be entered into a statewide traffic crash database. The database automatically updates MoDOT’s crash database system, which is part of the Transportation Management System. MoDOT staff query and analyze this data to identify work zone related crash statistics. Missouri State Highway Patrol prioritizes entry of the crash reports by fatality, serious injury and property damage only. 

The target for this measure is updated quarterly. This target is established by projecting a 10% improvement over a 5-year average.