BACKGROUND

In 2020, 857 fatalities and 44,000 injuries occurred in work zones across the country. When adverse driving behaviors (excessive speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving, distracted driving, confusion, etc.) occur in work zones, their consequences are often magnified due to restricted geometrics and unexpected changes in operating conditions or travel patterns in and around those zones. Mitigating such behaviors requires a broad range of engineering, education, and enforcement strategies tailored to the unique operating characteristics in work zones. 

There is an urgent need for research to evaluate existing strategies and identify innovative strategies that are both effective and scalable to reduce adverse driving behaviors in work zones.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to develop guidelines and decision-making tools to enhance road safety in work zones by addressing adverse driving behaviors.

STATUS: Work has been initiated. The first interim report is expected in March 2025.