Texas Construction Zones

Texas Defensive Driving - Construction Zones

Each year in Texas, there are approximately 15,000 crashes and more than 100 people killed in highway construction and maintenance zones.  The two leading causes of work zone crashes are excessive speed and the failure to remain alert while driving.  As a result, one in three work zone crashes is a rear-end collision.  In 2009, there were 3,871 distracted driving crashes in Texas work zones, involving 7,837 vehicles. These crashes resulted in 27 fatalities. 

At any one time, there can be more than 1,000 Texas highway work zones in operation. With so much construction, motorists frequently encounter work zones.  Please keep the following tips in mind when driving through work zones:

•  Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits - Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Remember, traffic fines are also doubled in work zones.
• Pay attention - Workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.
• Be patient - Delays from highway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.
• Plan ahead - Leave a few minutes early when traveling through a work zone in order to reach your destination on time.