Ohio summer construction and related traffic accidents are back. Learn safe driving practices and what to do if you’re in a collision.
Every year in the Midwest and Great Lakes region, the spring thaw means road cracking and potholes. The onset of warm summer weather, long days, and short, cool nights create the perfect conditions for summer road construction. Crews scramble to make necessary repairs and improve road infrastructure for all drivers before temperatures drop and winter weather returns.
Unfortunately, the downside of annual road improvements and repairs is an increased risk of summer road accidents in Ohio. This article outlines statistics and risk factors, how to protect oneself, how to keep road construction workers safe, and what to do in the event of an accident in a road construction site.
The Scope of Road Accidents in Ohio
In April 2026, the Tribune Chronicle reported $137 million in road construction work slated to take place in Ohio’s Trumbull and Mahoning counties. The report sought to alert residents to increased risks of road accidents, noting that from 2021 through 2025, the two counties recorded 769 work-zone crashes, including 4 fatalities and 240 injuries.[1]
During that same period, state troopers issued 282 construction zone citations, more than half of them for drivers speeding at 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit.
The problems persist in 2026. Already this year, at least one road worker was killed in a traffic accident near Columbus.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been 371 work zone crashes in 2026 between January 1 and April 5. Of extreme concern, 2026 is already on track to be a much worse year for fatal crashes and total deaths than 2025.[2]
What’s happening in Ohio with increased risk for road workers and commuters isn’t unique to Ohio. According to information compiled and published by Associated General Contractors of America:[3]
- Work zone fatalities have increased by more than 50% since 2013.
- Nationwide in 2023, 898 people died in roadwork zones, and 40,170 injuries were reported.
- About half of all road workers believe there is a greater risk in working on roads than there was a year prior.
The Ohio Department of Transportation reports similar findings. The ODOT published a grim report on the same day that it held a ceremony in remembrance of Ohio road workers killed in the line of duty.[4]
From 2020 to 2026, Ohio work zones saw over 23,600 crashes and 105 fatalities, with the fatalities occurring both among construction workers and motorists.
- Since 2025, there have been 17 fatalities and about 3,200 crashes.
- Approximately 35% of automobile crashes in Ohio work zones occur while workers are present.
- ODOT crew members were hit 88 times in 2025, more than in 2024. 2026 is on track to exceed 2025’s numbers.
- Some Ohio counties are much more dangerous than others. According to ODOT; Summit, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lucas, and Franklin counties account for nearly 50% of all work zone crashes in the state.
The data comes from multiple sources, and it is conclusive. Work zone auto accidents are getting worse in Ohio.
What Causes Construction Zone Crashes in Ohio?
According to law enforcement officers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, three factors are present in a majority of work zone crashes. They are:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
And it’s not just Ohio law enforcement that is making this assessment. Labor unions and public interest groups representing Ohio road workers have commissioned studies to determine the causes of auto accidents and why they are more likely to occur in work zones. The ODOT says that distracted driving plays a significant role in work zone accidents. The Ohio Contractors organization backs that up by listing the following as being the primary causes of work zone accidents and fatalities:
- Impaired driving is a factor 65% of the time.
- Speeding is present in 78% of such accidents.
- Impatience is a factor in about 59% of accidents.
- Increased traffic contributes to accidents 44% of the time.
- Distracted driving contributes to 84% of work zone accidents.
- Speeding and following too closely are almost always present in work zone accidents.
Not all accidents are caused by something the motorist is doing or not doing. Inclement weather, equipment failures on construction sites, poor road conditions, improper signage, and other factors can play a role. But by and large, the behavior of motorists and construction workers plays a decisive role in whether or not road construction accidents occur. It is in the best interests of all Ohioans to protect road workers and the families that travel on Ohio roads during summer construction.
Best Practices for Avoiding Work Zone Road Accidents in Ohio
In 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a new initiative to prevent work zone crashes. “Drivers are expected to slow down and pay attention in work zones, yet unsafe driving in road construction areas continues to be a serious problem,” said Governor DeWine. “I’ve asked the Ohio State Highway Patrol to dedicate more resources to patrolling work zones, and troopers will have no tolerance for reckless drivers. We’re doing this not only to protect road workers but for the safety of all travelers.”[5]
On the state level, the new plan involves “more troopers, including motorcycle units, monitoring work zones on the ground and increased use of OSHP’s Aviation Unit to spot dangerous drivers from the air. Troopers will target crash-causing violations, such as exceeding the speed limit, driving impaired, driving distracted, and otherwise driving recklessly in work zones.”
In addition to the state’s efforts to reduce work zone traffic accidents, drivers can take many steps to keep the roads safe for themselves, other motorists, and construction workers. When driving on Ohio’s roads this summer, motorists must always do the following when passing through a construction zone:
- Slow down
- Eliminate distractions
- Obey signage and laws
- Increase follow distance
- Move over when needed
- Merge when informed to do so
Ohio drivers must remain calm, expect delays, and avoid tailgating or any other offensive driving. Slowing down and putting devices, food, and beverages away are critical. Obeying signage and work zone traffic laws (like moving over for stationary vehicles with flashing lights) is also important. Drivers should not wait to merge until the last minute, and they should always slow down when entering a work zone.
What You Must Do if You are in a Car Accident in Ohio
Avoiding a traffic accident in Ohio is possible. The OHGO.com website is a good resource for getting information on work zones, summer construction, and traffic flow across the state.
But even the best safe driving practices cannot prevent all accidents. If you are in a construction zone road accident in Ohio, do the following:
- Seek medical attention for anyone who needs it, including yourself.
- Once the emergency has been resolved and any imminent injuries have been treated, contact NRS Injury Law.
“Every year, thousands of lives are impacted by car accidents across Ohio,” said Daniel Romaine, NRS Injury Law Co-Managing Partner and head of the personal injury and auto accident litigation groups. “Whether a minor fender-bender or a severe collision, the consequences of a traffic collision can be life-changing. If you’ve been in a car accident, you deserve skilled legal representation to get the compensation you deserve. You can turn to us as trusted champions for people in your shoes. We represent injured Ohioans and injured workers as a leading workers’ compensation and personal injury law firm. We are well-equipped to handle your case with the determination it deserves. Our vast resources and proven track record can be to your advantage. We can help you anywhere in Ohio, with offices located across the state.”
If you or someone you know has been hurt in an auto accident, whether it occurred in a construction zone or not, contact NRS Injury Law today. We are Ohio’s best injury law firm, and we can help.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Sources Cited:
[1] TC. “Crash Data Highlights Work Zone Risks.” Tribune Chronicle, 2026. tribtoday.com
[2] OSHP. “Work Zone Dashboard.” Ohio State Highway Patrol, 2026. statepatrol.ohio.gov
[3] OC. “Work Zone Survey Shows’ Greater Risk’ for Construction Crews, Motorists.” Ohio Contractor, 2026. ohiocontractors.build
[4] ODOT. “Workers Remembered in Work Zone Safety Display.” Ohio Department of Transportation, 2022. transportation.ohio.gov
[5] GO. “Governor DeWine Announces New Initiative to Prevent Work Zone Crashes.” Governor of Ohio, 2024. governor.ohio.gov
