Work-related roadway crashes--United States, 1992-2002.

The risk for roadway crashes associated with driving or riding in a motor vehicle at work affects millions of persons in the United States. In 2001, approximately 4.2 million U.S. workers were classified as motor-vehicle operators (Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], unpublished data, 2001). Workers who use motor vehicles to perform their jobs include those who operate vehicles owned or leased by their employers and those who drive personal vehicles for work purposes. To characterize fatal occupational roadway crashes and identify workers at highest risk for fatality, CDC analyzed data for 1992-2002 from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) of BLS. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that roadway crashes were the leading cause of occupational fatalities and that workers in transportation-related occupations were at highest risk. Effective strategies to prevent motor-vehicle-related crashes in the general public also can reduce work-related crashes. Employers should promote safe driving through vehicle selection and company policy.