Work Zone Safety

An average of 500 crashes occur each year in Maine work zones, resulting in several fatalities. Another 200 are injured. Workers in these areas are vulnerable to serious injury, as are vehicle occupants.

What can you do to keep Work Zones safe?

  • Slow down - drive at the posted work zone speed.
  • Pay attention.
  • Merge as soon as safely possible when required.
  • Maintain a safe following distance.
  • Stay calm and be patient if there are traffic delays.
  • Remember to always wear your safety belt.

MaineDOT Work Zone Safety Videos

National Work Zone Awareness Week 2022 PSA

MaineDOT: Looking to attain ZERO Work Zone Fatalities every year

Employees working in work zones are continually exposed to distracted drivers and drivers traveling at high speeds. MaineDOT is concerned about the exposure that our vulnerable employees and contractors face on a daily basis. The department promotes awareness of this issue throughout the year. Improving work zone safety is critical to our mission and goals and MaineDOT includes a statewide capstone that measures the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities in work zones.

Work Zone Safety Information

workzone safety ribbon There are hundreds of work zones in Maine each year, ranging from short-term activities such as work on utility lines, tree trimming, mowing and ditch clearing, to longer term road reconstruction projects. Although most large projects are done when the weather is warm, work might be under way along the road anytime of the year. Work zones can be found anywhere - on the Interstate, at bridges on hundreds of highways and secondary roads, and on local streets.

Watch for orange-colored signs that warn of upcoming work zones. Work zones all have one thing in common – they require travelers to be extra careful – to Slow Down and Pay Attention. MaineDOT wants everyone to be safe in work zones. That takes all of us - MaineDOT employees, contractors and others working along Maine roads and the driver. Let’s work together to keep each other safe.

Work Zone Crash Trends

Crash Trends

  • Between 2013 and 2022, 18 people were killed in crashes in Maine work areas.
  • In 2022 alone, there were 541 crashes in Maine work zones involving approximately 1200 people and resulting in 2 fatalities and 164 injuries.

Work Zone Crash Trends - Graphs (2013-2022)

Contributing Factors