Texas Leads Nation in Fatal Work Zone Crash Rate, Study Finds

AUSTIN, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas has the highest rate of fatal work zone crashes in the nation, according to a new analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System covering 2020 through 2024.

The study found Texas averages 182 fatal work zone crashes each year, equal to 9.74 fatal crashes per million licensed drivers—nearly three times the national average of 3.48 per million.

Researchers also found Texas accounts for 22.3% of all fatal work zone crashes nationwide, despite having about 8% of the country’s licensed drivers.

The report by Beck & Beck Law ranked the 10 deadliest states for work zone driving, with Oklahoma, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arkansas rounding out the top five.

Researchers analyzed five years of federal crash data to calculate average annual fatal work zone crashes and compare rates based on the number of licensed drivers in each state.

Officials continue to urge drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and remain alert when traveling through construction zones, where changing traffic patterns and workers on or near the roadway increase the risk of serious crashes.