Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
Photo collage: temporary lane closure, road marking installation, cone with mounted warning light, and drum separated work zones.
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Best Practice

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BEST PRACTICE:

K1−3: Analysis of Work Zone Crash Trends

DESCRIPTION:

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) uses a real−time crash analysis tool to track work zone crashes on a subset of pre−selected work zones. ODOT collects data on crashes in these work zones and compares the data to historical data to identify changes in trends. The data are captured in near real−time by electronic queries and bi−weekly visits to law enforcement agencies. ODOT uses this data to monitor crash frequencies at the selected work zones to ensure they stay at or below the crash frequency at the same location prior to the establishment of the work zone.

To analyze the crash data, ODOT constructed a system to routinely run queries on the crash data to draw attention to high crash areas. After initial system programming and set−up, the analysis, graphs, and summary data are produced instantly by the push of a button. This analysis enables ODOT to identify crash trends at their work zones. If ODOT finds that the crash frequency is greater during a work zone than it was at the same location prior to the start of construction, or if ODOT observes a developing trend, changes can be made to the work zone in an attempt to prevent potential crashes. Work zone segments with increased crash frequency are visited and potential fixes are proposed by ODOT staff. This analysis allows traffic engineers to find problems in active work zones, investigate the issues, and apply necessary corrective strategies while the work zones are still active. When similar issues occur in multiple locations, ODOT considers changes to its design procedures and standards to prevent the issues from arising on future projects.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

This practice was adopted to identify trends and better develop countermeasures to reduce the deaths and injuries associated with crashes in or near work zones.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Reduced fatalities and injuries are a result of the countermeasures, as well as increased knowledge and situational awareness regarding crashes in work zones.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

All locations and projects.

RELATED BEST PRACTICES:
Work Zone Crash Data Analysis (K1−1)
Analysis of Work Zone Crash Data (K1−2)

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Ohio

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Reynaldo Stargell, Ohio DOT
Phone: (614)−644−8177
E−mail: reynaldo.stargell@dot.state.oh.us
Office of Operations