Element Definition and Rationale

Definition:
A crash that occurs in or related to a construction, maintenance, or utility work zone, whether or not workers were actually present at the time of the crash. 'Work zone-related' crashes may also include those involving motor vehicles slowed or stopped because of the work zone, even if the first harmful event occurred before the first warning sign.

Rationale:
Important to assess the impact on traffic safety of various types of on-highway work activity, to evaluate Traffic Control Plans used at work zones, and to make adjustments to the Traffic Control Plans for the safety of workers and the traveling public. This data element needs to be collected at the scene because work zones are relatively short term or moving operations that are not recorded in permanent road inventory files.