In work zones, which type of crash is most common?

• A. Rear-end collisions
• B. Head-on collisions
• C. Side-swipe crashes
• D. Rollover crashes

Answer: (A)

Rear-end crashes are most common in work zones. The slowing or stopping of traffic due to lane closures, merging, and workers entering or leaving the roadway creates frequent abrupt decelerations. If drivers follow too closely or fail to react quickly enough to the lead vehicle's brake, a chain reaction can occur behind them. The layout of work zones—narrow lanes, cones, and barriers—reduces sight distance and predictability, making sudden stops more likely. Head-on, side-swipe, and rollover crashes happen, but the conditions in most work zones make rear-end collisions the most frequent type.