According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 94,000 work zone crashes occurred in the U.S. during 2017.

• Work zone safety, Federal Highway Administration

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the state has an average of 850 highway work zone injuries each year. The top three causes of work zone crashes are distracted/inattentive driving, following too close and speeding.

• Work zone safety, Washington State Department of Transportation

Safety is job No. 1 for Clark County Public Works. For more information, watch this CVTV video.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt7sjdKUiww]

The Federal Highway Administration provides the following safety tips for drivers in work zones.

• Stay alert and minimize distractions - Refrain from changing the radio station, talking on the phone or eating.
• Turn or keep your headlights on - They help drivers see what's ahead and help others see oncoming vehicles.
• Pay attention to the road - This include temporary construction signs, as well as brake lights from vehicles ahead. 
• Merge into the proper lane - Merge before reaching the lane closure and be considerate to others merging. 
• Don't tailgate - Rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone crash.
• Obey the posted speed limit - Fines may be double for speeding and other traffic infractions.
• Change lanes safely - Watch for temporary signs and change lanes only when conditions allow.
• Follow instruction from flaggers - They are here to keep drivers and construction workers safe and traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.
• Expect the unexpected - Construction workers and equipment may be working close to traffic, and other drivers may react abruptly.
• Be patient - It may save a life, perhaps your own.

Drivers are urged to plan ahead and avoid work zones as much as possible. Clark County provides a weekly construction traffic delays report so drivers can be alert to construction and consider using alternate routes.