Work Zone Safety

An average of 700 crashes occur each year in Maine work zones, resulting in several fatalities. Another 200 are injured. Workers in these areas are vulnerable to serious injury, as are vehicle occupants.

What can you do to keep Work Zones safe?

  • Slow down - drive at the posted work zone speed.
  • Pay attention.
  • Merge as soon as safely possible when required.
  • Maintain a safe following distance.
  • Stay calm and be patient if there are traffic delays.
  • Remember to always wear your safety belt.

Video from AASHTO about the importance of work zone safety

 


MaineDOT: One of a Few States with ZERO Work Zone Fatalities in 2013

Employees working in work zones are continually exposed to distracted drivers and drivers traveling at high speeds. MaineDOT understands the exposure our employees face on a daily basis and will be heightening the department’s awareness of this issue throughout the year. Improving work zone safety is critical to our mission and goals and a new statewide capstone will measure the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities in work zone. We were one of the few states in the Country with ZERO work zone fatalities in 2013 and will strive to maintain this distinction. View press release.

Work Zone Safety Information

There are hundreds of Work Zones in Maine each year, ranging from short-term activities such as work on utility workzone safety ribbon lines, tree trimming, mowing and ditch clearing, to longer term road reconstruction projects. Although most large projects are done when the weather is warm, work might be under way along the road anytime of the year. Work zones can be found anywhere - on the Interstate, at bridges, hundreds of highways and secondary roads, and even local streets.

Watch for orange-colored signs that warn of upcoming work zones. Work zones all have one thing in common – they require travelers to be extra careful – to Slow Down and Pay Attention. MaineDOT wants everyone to be safe in work zones. That takes all of us - MaineDOT employees, contractors and others working along Maine roads and the driver. Let’s work together to keep each other safe.

Work Zone TV Spots
Work Zone Safety Information

Crash Trends

  • Between 2001 and 2010, 23 people were killed in crashes in Maine work areas. That's twenty-three families whose lives were changed forever.
  • In 2006 alone, there were 651 crashes involving approximately 1,149 people, resulting in 4 fatalities and over 263 injuries in Maine's work zones.

Work Zone Crash Trends - Graphs (2001-2010)

Work Zone Crash Trends - Data