Drivers need to be vigilant around road works in Minnesota, according to new study
- A new study has identified the states where there is the highest proportion of fatal crashes in work zones, with Minnesota ranking eighth.
- The study analyzed NHTSA data on fatal motor vehicle crashes to see which happened in utility, construction and maintenance work zones.
- The proportion of fatal motor vehicle crashes involving road works in Minnesota is 63% above the national average.
- A law expert at Schmidt & Clark advises on what to do if you are involved in a car accident due to road works.
New research has revealed where traveling through work zones is the most dangerous, with Minnesota drivers the eighth least safe.
The study, conducted by leading law firm Schmidt & Clark, analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data on fatal motor vehicle crashes between 2017 and 2021 to determine which state has the deadliest utility, construction and maintenance work zones.
Extra caution should always be taken around road works, as the narrowed lanes, congested traffic and often a change in road conditions, such as uneven pavement, can mean accidents are more likely to occur.
According to the findings, road works pose the eighth-highest threat in Minnesota, with 38 out of a total of 1,843 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021 involving work zones, which equates to 2.06 percent – 63 percent above the national average of 1.26 percent.
Texas has the highest proportion of fatal motor vehicle crashes involving road works. A staggering 582 of fatal crashes were found to involve work zones, which is more than double (163 percent higher) the U.S. average. Alaska came in second; Georgia third.
The states with the most fatal motor vehicle crashes around road works
|
Rank |
State |
Total number of fatal crashes involving work zones (2017-2021) | Total number of fatal crashes (2017-2021) | Percentage of all fatal crashes involving work zones |
| 1. | Texas | 582 | 17,549 | 3.32% |
| 2. | Alaska | 10 | 318 | 3.14% |
| 3. | Georgia | 210 | 7,413 | 2.83% |
| 4. | Indiana | 114 | 4,044 | 2.82% |
| 5. | Wyoming | 13 | 541 | 2.40% |
| 6. | Iowa | 34 | 1,544 | 2.20% |
| 7. | Illinois | 108 | 5,183 | 2.08% |
| 8. | Minnesota | 38 | 1,843 | 2.06% |
| 9. | Alabama | 86 | 4,333 | 1.98% |
| 10. | Delaware | 11 | 574 | 1.92% |
At the other end of the scale, Maryland recorded zero fatal crashes involving work zones, despite 2,567 crashes recorded during the five-year period; Virginia came in second and Florida third.
The states with the least fatal motor vehicle crashes around road works
|
Rank |
State |
Total number of fatal crashes involving work zones (2017-2021) | Total number of fatal crashes (2017-2021) | Percentage of all fatal crashes involving work zones |
| 1. | Maryland | 0 | 2,567 | 0.00% |
| 2. | Virginia | 3 | 4,037 | 0.07% |
| 3. | Florida | 17 | 15,342 | 0.11% |
| 4. | Nebraska | 2 | 1,032 | 0.19% |
| 5. | South Carolina | 15 | 4,897 | 0.31% |
| 6. | New Hampshire | 2 | 526 | 0.38% |
| 7. | Maine | 3 | 719 | 0.42% |
| 8. (=) | Wisconsin | 12 | 2,746 | 0.44% |
| 8. (=) | Mississippi | 14 | 3,167 | 0.44% |
| 9. | Arkansas | 12 | 2,664 | 0.45% |
| 10. | New York | 24 | 4,785 | 0.50% |
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from Schmidt & Clark says:
“While the differences in fatal crashes involving work zones across states will reflect the drivers’ skills, such as if they are concentrating enough, the safety precautions implemented by workers will also be a factor in how likely a deadly accident is to happen.
“Anything from negligent traffic control to confusing lane markings during construction and maintenance on the road can lead to serious or fatal injuries.
“If you are unfortunately in a car accident due to unsafe conditions caused by road works, it’s important you attain a lawyer as quick as possible to establish who is liable for failing to uphold public safety.
“These cases can get complicated, as with many different parties involved, people tend to try pass the blame.
“You will also need to make it abundantly clear how you have been affected. For example, if the injury has impacted your ability to carry out your day-to-day tasks, or if the emotional distress has meant you’ve had to take a leave of absence from work.
“This will give you the best possible chance at proving your case and receiving compensation.”
