What is a major cause of rear-end crashes in work zones?

The major cause of rear-end crashes in work zones is often attributed to driving slower or faster than surrounding traffic. In work zones, conditions frequently change, and the flow of traffic can become unpredictable due to lane shifts, reduced speed limits, and the presence of workers or equipment. When a driver is moving at a significantly different speed than the vehicles around them, it can create situations where other drivers do not have enough time to react, leading to collisions.

For example, if a driver is not aware of the lowered speed limit in a work zone and continues to drive at a higher speed, they may catch up to the vehicle in front of them more quickly than expected, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end crash. Conversely, if a driver is going slower than the flow of traffic, it can cause a build-up of vehicles behind them, with subsequent drivers potentially misjudging stopping distances or reaction times, again resulting in a rear-end collision.

Distracted driving, tailgating, and the failure to use turn signals can also contribute to accidents, but the difference in speed between vehicles is particularly critical in work zones where the situation is dynamically changing and requires careful navigation and attention from all drivers.