Final answer:
The leading cause of death and injury in roadway work zones is driver error, accounting for over half of all fatal accidents, as drivers often encounter unexpected changes in these areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one cause of injury and death in roadway work zones is driver error. According to statistics by the American Automobile Association, driver error accounts for approximately 54 percent of all fatal auto accidents. Work zones on the road are particularly hazardous because they often involve lane shifts, closures, and other changes to normal traffic patterns that can confuse or surprise drivers, leading to accidents.
In roadway construction zones, it is essential that drivers pay extra attention to signage, adhere to modified speed limits, and stay alert for workers and equipment. When drivers become distracted, disobey traffic laws, or drive recklessly, they increase the risk of causing collisions that can result in fatalities or serious injuries to both the workers and the vehicle occupants.