Intrusion Accidents on Highway Construction Projects

Abstract

Two hundred and ninety intrusion accidents were reported on New York State Department of Transportation construction projects from 1993 through 1998. Characteristics of intrusion accidents and the locations where they occur were investigated, and intrusions were compared with other traffic and construction accidents. Overall, intrusions into the work and buffer space are a relatively small proportion of all accidents. Intrusion accidents accounted for nearly 10 percent of all work-zone traffic accidents and about 8 percent of serious injury accidents. Four fatalities and 60 serious injury accidents occurred. About two-thirds of intrusion accidents involved a vehicle entering an area defined by channelizing devices, including the transition area, buffer space, and work space. About 20 percent involved moving operations. Most intrusions resulted in a collision between the intruding vehicle and work vehicles, equipment, or roadway features. Pedestrian workers were involved in less than 10 percent of the intrusions but were at greater risk for serious injury than workers in vehicles or equipment. Excessive speed was a major factor, identified in about one-fourth of all intrusion accidents. Driver incapacity—due to alcohol use, lack of sleep, medical problems, vehicle failure, or roadway conditions—was involved in another one-fourth of intrusion accidents. Based on circumstantial evidence in the accident reports and a substantial number of impacts on highly visible arrow panels, it appears that driver inattention is also a significant factor.