The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer 2024 Update

Unfortunately, at halfway through the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, the nearly decade-long trend of increased work zone fatalities continues to persist.

As many know, this long grave trend has gone on for about a decade. Here’s a brief yet impactful review of the shocking increases and much too high cost we’ve endured over the past five years.

From Memorial Day to mid-July 2024, the number of accidents and fatalities in work zones has shown a worrying increase compared to the same period in 2023. This trend aligns with recent data indicating a general rise in work zone-related incidents.

In 2023, there was a notable increase in fatalities within work zones. Specifically, the number of deaths rose nearly 11% from 2020 to 2021, with fatalities jumping from 863 to 956. The majority of these deaths involved drivers and passengers (ATSSA) (MoDOT).

The National Safety Council reported that in 2022, 891 people were killed, and 37,701 were injured in work zone crashes. These incidents primarily involved drivers of motor vehicles, followed by pedestrians, passengers, and bicyclists (Injury Facts).

Public awareness campaigns, such as National Work Zone Awareness Week, emphasize the importance of driver vigilance and safety practices in work zones. Tips for navigating these areas safely include planning ahead, reducing speed, avoiding distractions, and being mindful of workers and large vehicles (ATSSA) (MoDOT).

Overall, the data highlights a persistent and increasing danger in work zones, underlining the need for continued safety efforts and public education. Even with the advancements in safety driven technology, this trend is not likely to subside without public awareness and participation in safe driving habits.