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 4-year average.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, MoDOT reported nine protective vehicle crashes in work zones. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, crashes are 4% higher than the previous 4-year average, representing an increase of two incidents. These crashes can range from very minor—resulting in minimal or no repair 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 fourth quarter, one employee involved in a TMA/TrMA/PV crash sought medical attention for injuries. The nine protective vehicle crashes in work zones occurred predominantly in urban areas. Five incidents occurred on major routes and four incidents occurred on minor routes during daytime operations. These operations included:
•    Three striping activities.
•    Two pothole patching operations.
•    One sweeping operation.
•    Two non-moving operations (asphalt pavement repair and brush removal).
•    One flood response activity.

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.