Write Up:

MoDOT’s main goal is to eliminate work zone crashes. This measure focuses on reducing the number of crashes involving protective vehicles (PV), truck-mounted attenuators (TMA), or trailer-mounted attenuators (TrMA) below the previous 4year average.

In the first quarter of 2026, MoDOT reported 12 protective-vehicle crashes in work zones, which matches the year to date average for the previous four years. These crashes can range from very minor—resulting in minimal or no repairs to protective units—to more severe incidents that lead to total equipment loss or injuries to involved parties. New protective units can cost between $50,000 and $80,000, excluding additional expenses such as staff time, truck damage, lost wages, or medical costs. The most significant impact from these incidents is the potential for lifelong injuries that affect an employee’s quality of life—or loss of life—which cannot be quantified.

During the first quarter, three employees and two third-party individuals involved in a TMA/TrMA/PV crash sought medical attention for injuries. The 12 protective-vehicle crashes in work zones occurred predominantly in urban areas. Eleven incidents occurred on major routes, and one incident occurred on a minor route. All reported incidents happened during daytime operations. These operations include:
•    Six pothole-patching operations – 69,222 documented work hours in the first quarter 
•    Two litter/debris-removal operations – 83,608 documented work hours in the first quarter 
•    Three non-moving operations (signal repair, sign repair, bridge work) 
•    One incident that occurred while crews were removing brush from the right of way 

Purpose of the Measure:

MoDOT owns more than 600 truck- or trailer-mounted attenuators used to help save lives by absorbing the impact of a crash in a work zone. By measuring the number of TMA/protective vehicle hits, MoDOT can identify and share information about higher-risk activities that could result in a crash and develop strategies to eliminate work zone crashes.  

Measurement and Data Collection:

When a TMA incident occurs, a claim report is completed. The claim report and any associated police reports are reviewed by Risk Management Technicians for interpretation. A statewide work zone incident team reviews TMA incidents and seeks strategies for operations improvement to reduce or eliminate the incidents. Only incidents where the TMA was in an active work zone protecting workers are included in this data. This measure is reported based on quarters of a calendar year.