Our new report analyzing national traffic fatality data reveals a stark contrast between two states—Texas and New York—when it comes to fatal work zone crashes. While road construction is a routine part of transportation infrastructure, these zones can also become the site of devastating accidents. According to a comprehensive review of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain regions in the U.S. are far more prone to fatal work zone crashes than others.
The study, titled The U.S. Counties With the Highest and Lowest Rates of Fatal Work Zone Traffic Accidents, ranked counties by the number of fatal work zone crashes per 100,000 residents between 2013-2022. The results highlight Texas as having the highest concentration of counties with deadly crash rates, while New York leads the list of the safest counties for this type of incident.
Texas: Most Counties with the Highest Fatal Work Zone Crash Rates
Texas dominates the top of the rankings, with 12 out of the 25 U.S. counties with the highest fatal work zone crash rates located within its borders.
At the very top of the list is Jefferson County, Texas, with a fatal work zone crash rate of 14.706 per 100,000 residents—the highest in the nation for the timeframe reviewed.
Here are the other Texas counties that appear in the top 25 list, along with their respective fatality rates:
- Bell County, TX—11.098 per 100,000
- McLennan County, TX— 9.768 per 100,000
- Galveston County, TX—7.275 per 100,000
- Nueces County, TX—7.111 per 100,000
- Smith County, TX—6.612 per 100,000
- Denton County, TX—5.932 per 100,000
- Dallas County, TX—5.803 per 100,000
- Hays County, TX—5.574 per 100,000
- Travis County, TX—5.047 per 100,000
- Fort Bend County, TX—4.837 per 100,000
- Lubbock County, TX—4.721 per 100,000
With nearly half of the top 25 counties coming from a single state, Texas clearly stands out as the most represented state in the category of fatal work zone crashes per capita. These numbers provide insight into just how concentrated the issue is in specific regions.
New York: Lowest Rate of Fatal Work Zone Crashes in the U.S.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is New York. The state holds 12 of the 25 counties with the lowest rates of fatal work zone crashes—with Dutchess County reporting zero fatalities between 2013-2022.
In addition to Dutchess County, the following New York counties all recorded low fatal work zone crashes during the study period:
- Kings County, NY—0.077 per 100,000
- Monroe County, NY—0.133 per 100,000
- Queens County, NY—-0.176 per 100,000
- Richmond County, NY—0.204 per 100,000
- Onondaga County, NY—0.213 per 100,000
- Nassau County, NY—0.217 per 100,000
- New York County, NY—0.251 per 100,000
- Suffolk County, NY—0.262 per 100,000
- Bronx County, NY—0.289 per 100,000
- Rockland County, NY—0.294 per 100,000
- Erie County, NY—0.316 per 100,000
This consistent performance across multiple counties places New York as the state with the lowest rates of fatal work zone crashes, based on per capita analysis.
A Clear Geographic Divide
The data shows a geographical contrast in fatal work zone crash rates. While fatal incidents can occur anywhere, the concentration of high-risk counties in Texas and the near absence of fatal crashes in many New York counties draw a clear dividing line in how these two states appear in the data.
Notably, Texas appears 12 times among the 25 counties with the highest fatal work zone crash rates, and New York appears 12 times among the 25 counties with the lowest rates—clearly dominating each respective list.
Why Fatal Work Zone Crash Data Matters
Work zones can introduce a variety of hazards: reduced speed limits, shifting lanes, heavy equipment near traffic, and workers operating just feet from moving vehicles. While these zones are meant to improve infrastructure, they may also create environments where fatal accidents can occur—especially if road users are not driving cautiously or if the setup of the work zone lacks clear signage or separation from live traffic.
Our study doesn’t just provide rankings; it highlights the need for awareness and action. For families who have lost a loved one in a work zone crash—or for individuals who have suffered serious injuries—understanding where and how these accidents are happening can provide context and insight into the broader issue of road safety.
Breakdown of the Data: Key Highlights
Here’s a recap of the most important takeaways from the study:
- Top County Overall: Jefferson County, TX— 14.706 fatal work zone crashes per 100,000 residents
- State With the Most High-Risk Counties: Texas — 12 of the top 25 counties
- State With the Most Low-Risk Counties: New York — 12 of the bottom 25 counties
- Number of New York Counties With Zero Fatal Work Zone Crashes: 1
- Timeframe Covered: 2013-2022 (based on NHTSA data)
These are not just numbers—they reflect real lives lost and families affected by roadway tragedies. They also serve as a starting point for further discussion and improvement in how work zones are managed, enforced, and designed.
What to Do If You’re Affected by a Work Zone Crash
If you or someone in your family was injured—or your relative was killed—in a work zone crash, there may be legal options available. A proper investigation can determine:
- Whether the work zone was properly marked and maintained
- If the driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired
- Whether a contractor or government agency failed to create a safe environment
- Whether signage or barriers were missing, inadequate, or confusing
By identifying the factors that contributed to the crash, it’s possible to hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Corradino & Papa Can Help After a Work Zone Accident in New Jersey
At Corradino & Papa, we represent individuals and families affected by serious accidents—including those occurring in or near work zones. Our team understands the legal complexities of work zone crashes and how to investigate them thoroughly.
If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered life-altering injuries due to a crash in a construction zone, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. We are here to help you understand your rights, explore your options, and pursue justice on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the next step forward.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.