Analyzing the time-varying patterns of contributing factors in work zone-related crashes

Work zones are crucial for maintaining and enhancing road infrastructure, but they also pose a significant risk to traffic safety. Between 2016 and 2020, work zone-related crashes in the United States increased by 13%, highlighting the pressing need for effective safety measures. This study examines the factors that influence work zone crashes, including traffic control devices, geometric configurations, traffic operations, and human factors. The study also investigates how these factors vary by work zone type, day of the week, and time of day. To explore these temporal and spatial impacts, the study utilized five years of fatal crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and applied association rules mining. The findings demonstrate that rear-end crashes and collisions with other vehicles are the primary contributing factors. Although some common patterns emerged in the association rules, the study revealed temporal instability, highlighting the importance of developing work zone-specific safety countermeasures. These findings will inform the development of targeted safety interventions and ultimately reduce the risk of work zone crashes.