SPOKANE, Wash — According to data from WSDOT, there were over 1,200 work zone collisions in Washington state in 2023. Spokane County ranked among the top five counties for 63 work zone crashes.
While many work in an office or other indoor spaces, for road crews, their office is I-90, which puts them at a unique safety risk.
April marks Work Zone Awareness month, and WSDOT is asking those who drive in the state to be particularly cautious, as temperatures are rising, and road crews will be out more frequently.
WSDOT spokesperson Joe McHale said the life of the driver or road crew member could change in a split second, “it only takes one mishap, one small mistake and you could change someone’s life forever or even your own.”
McHale said they have seen more dangerous driving habits in the last year. ” It’s just really unfortunate we’re seeing more erratic behavior. On our roadways, statewide, people are driving faster, people are driving more distracted and not paying attention.”
On average, according to data provided by WSDOT, Washington state has close to 700 work zone roadway injuries a year. In 2023, the number of statewide fatalities in work zones doubled, taking ten lives of drivers and road workers.
“Our roadside crews aren’t just a hard hat, they’re their family members, their sons and daughters, their parents, their siblings, their friends,” said McHale.
WSDOT is urging drivers to not just be cautious, but to actively slow down, be kind, pay attention, and stay calm, emphasizing the crucial role each driver plays in work zone safety.
