Despite fewer drivers on the road, Texas work zone traffic deaths climb during pandemic

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation says that despite a decrease in drivers on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work zone fatalities were up in 2020.

Last year's work zone deaths were 9% higher than in 2019.

TxDOT says there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones with 186 people killed, including four road workers.

Drivers and their passengers account for the majority of those who have died in work zone crashes.

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In 2020, 147 motorists and vehicle passengers were killed in Texas work zones, along with 35 pedestrians and bicyclists and four road workers.

In the Austin area in 2020, there were 1,652 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in 28 deaths and 73 serious injuries.

We know driving through work zones can be challenging,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “There can be extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers, and vehicles that make sudden stops. We can’t stress enough how important it is to give driving your full attention and slow down—for your own safety and that of the people who work alongside the road.”

Remember, traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law can also result in a $2,000 fine.

State law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.