Arizona Construction Zones with the Highest Accident Rates

Things are always growing and changing in Arizona, and with all that development comes a steady rise in road construction zones. But more work zones can also mean more risk, especially for drivers.

While ADOT doesn’t publicly track a list of the exact locations with the most accidents, certain patterns do show up. Phoenix accident and injury attorneys know popular highways and freeways, like I-10 and I-17, tend to see more construction-related crashes. Why? When it comes to Arizona roadwork accident factors, drivers may not slow down in time, ignore warning signs or find themselves confused by changing traffic patterns and lanes.

Work Zone Accidents By the Numbers

Since 2020, the Arizona Department of Transportation has reported at least seventy-five fatalities in work zone crashes, with nearly twice as many people seriously injured. These aren’t just minor fender-benders. Many of these incidents involve high speeds and dangerous conditions for both drivers and workers.

Why Highways Are More Dangerous

Highways are built for speed, but this can become quite the hazard if a work zone pops up on the way. Here’s why accidents tend to surge on Arizona’s highways during road work:

• Speed changes: One minute, you’re flying by, and within seconds, you’re expected to slow down to fifty-five miles per hour. Sometimes, drivers don’t expect the speed change, especially if it happens around a curve or after a long open stretch. If a driver misses their chance to slow down, they could rear-end the driver in front of them or swerve to miss them.
• Lane shifts and closures: If you’ve driven in a construction zone, you know how wonky lanes can get. In a work zone, you could be driving through cones on the opposite side of the highway. This can be confusing to drivers, especially if they’ve been driving at a high speed. A small error in judgment here can easily lead to a big crash.
• Large commercial trucks: Arizona highways are huge trucking routes. Those large semi-trucks can make even minor maneuvers feel risky. When accidents happen, the size and weight of these commercial trucks can lead to very serious outcomes. 
• Driving at night: Many highway construction projects happen overnight, when visibility and lighting are quite low. This can make it hard for drivers to notice changes in the road or workers on the site.

Common Types of Work Zone Accidents

When construction zones create unexpected changes to the road, accidents can happen in a number of ways. Some of the most common types of construction zone crashes include:

• Rear-end collisions: These are often caused by sudden braking when drivers don’t realize they’re entering a slower zone.
• Side-swipe accidents: With narrowed lanes and unclear markings, it’s easy for vehicles to drift or merge improperly.
• Crashes involving construction equipment: Sometimes, work vehicles enter traffic lanes without warning, leading to collisions.
• Run-off-road accidents: Barriers, cones, and lane shifts can cause confusion, especially at night or in bad weather, resulting in cars veering off the road.

Each of these scenarios can result in serious injuries, and liability can vary depending on the circumstances. This is why experienced legal representation is so important after a work zone crash.

Need Help After a Highway Work Zone Crash?

If you’ve been involved in a crash in a highway work zone (especially one that wasn’t your fault), know that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure out the next steps by yourself. Construction zone accidents are complex. Who’s at fault isn’t always clear, and multiple parties could be involved: other drivers, construction crews, or even the agencies managing the work. 

Steps to Take After a Work Zone Accident

Being involved in a construction zone accident can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do next can protect both your health and your claim. Here are some important steps:

1. Get medical help right away: Even if you think you’re fine, injuries can show up later. A full medical evaluation is critical.
2. Call the police and request an accident report: This official documentation will be helpful in proving fault.
3. Document the scene: Take photos of the area, your vehicle, any signage, and visible injuries if you’re able.
4. Avoid discussing fault at the scene: Keep interactions with the other driver brief and stick to the facts.
5. Contact a qualified attorney: The sooner you get legal guidance, the stronger your case will be, especially in situations where road conditions or multiple parties are involved.

Gage Mathers is here to guide you through every step, from collecting evidence to standing up to insurance adjusters. If you’ve been hurt in a highway construction zone crash, reach out to us for a free case evaluation!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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