Growing Deaths In Colorado Work Zones Raise Concerns

Work zone deaths are rising in the Colorado construction sector, grabbing the attention of authorities and lawmakers. 

In a recent report by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), almost 5 members have recently lost their lives while working on the construction sites. This growing number of fatalities has seriously raised concerns and urges them to take proper safety measures to lower these casualties. 

How Colorado road construction is raising issues?

A few days back, The Colorado Department of Transportation has revealed something very interesting yet alarming. They have reported that the construction site fatalities are rising day by day and making things more vulnerable for the lawmakers and concerned authorities. 

In the year of 2011, the total fatalities were 11 which has now increased to 28, after only 3 years in 2024. Isn’t it concerning?

The concerned authorities are more anxious about the situation as this will further complicate the situation in the construction industry where labor shortage is already prevailing. 

The people will resist joining the industry and the lack of skilled labor will increase further, making it impossible for the contractors to complete their projects on time. 

In a recent incident, 2 women were caught in the worksite accident and lost their lives as they were stopped by the flagger. 

Another catastrophic incident was reported in August 2024, in which a tractor trailer hit three people, which caused them to lose their lives. 

Whereas in September 2024, a semi truck collided with a van resulting in three more casualties.

To avoid such incident to happen, the lawmakers and concerned authorities have to make a foolproof plan so that these fatalities can be stopped and people can feel safe around the construction worksites. 

Lawmakers need federal supervision to make a safety plan

Another way to stop these fatalities at construction worksites is t ovolve all the authorities and gather them at the same page. 

When they will collaborate and work together, things will starting getting tuned to the positive side. 

Recently, these lawmakers have written a letter to the Secretary Buttigieg asking more more accountability and supervision permissions. They also focused and stressed on asking about the taken measures by the U.S department of Transportation (USDOT) towards the safety of workers and passerby at the worksite. 

In the same letter, they asked forcefully for the detailed answers on the concerned questions by november 22. They pushed the matter that the sites with heavy duty jobs using heavy duty earth moving equipment are more prone to the fatalities which must be addressed as soon as possible. 

What CDOT’s claim is for poor management?

The letter included accusations from an unidentified contractor that CDOT had neglected safety procedures in construction areas, further escalating the controversy. 

According to the contractor, CDOT mishandled safety equipment, started construction zones without the required consent from onsite design engineers, and denied contractors access to vital traffic flow information.

All these violations made the fatality happen and several workers lost their lives.

What was CDOT’s reaction and what safety procedures they made?

CDOT responded by expressing alarm about the spike in fatalities and attributing it to an unusual volume of road construction. 

The agency stressed the integral dangers of construction zones, pointing out that irresponsible driving practices including speeding, driving while intoxicated, and distracted driving can have particularly serious consequences in these locations.

CDOT defended its procedures, especially with regard to the August crash that was tragic and mentioned in the letter from the parliamentarians. 

According to them, the project’s construction plans were created in compliance with state and federal regulations, authorized by the Engineer of Record, and examined by CDOT. 

Whereas, additional safety precautions were put in place after the event, such as lowering speed restrictions even further, utilizing speed feedback signs, and installing overhead message boards and flashing lights to improve visibility.

In order to enforce speed limits in the impacted area, CDOT also collaborated with law enforcement. Initially, it would be a hard law to implement, but with regular alarms and enforcement, things would go better. 

What are the controversial allegations about other collisions?

A fourth crash that was listed in the letter was also denied by the department, which clarified that it did not take place in a construction zone and involved two CDOT employees.

The incident urges federal investigation

In order to address the underlying causes of these deaths, federal assistance is deemed required as Colorado struggles with this growing epidemic. 

The safety of workers and equipment in construction zones must be prioritized. Whether it has to be done by tighter control, better safety laws, or increased cooperation between federal and state authorities.

To stop such deaths on Colorado’s highways, prompt and decisive action is crucial because lives are on the line.