subject: How To Ensure Traffic Safety In Construction Zones [print this page] One very important issue for motorists and construction workers alike is construction zone safety. The 2008 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) statistics have recorded 720 individuals killed within highway work zone. When you consider the work zone fatalities that did not occur on highways, there is a much higher number revealed. While a mere 15% of these fatalities involved construction employees, death by motorists remains a considerable occupational hazard for these individuals. An excellent way to increase traffic safety in work zones for both motorists and workers is through the use of construction zone signs that are effective.
According to numerous FHWA studies, the two best ways for decreasing crashes in work zones is by moderating the speed of motorists and by adequately managing and maintaining the amount of space that exists between automobiles as they drive along. Using the proper signage is the best way to improve these two areas. It is additionally important to lower driver stress in work zones by lessening the delays and moving automobiles through the area in an organized fashion.
Wyoming Department of Transportation (DOT) studies have shown that these accidents also often occur when motorists change lanes or where flagging exists through the night and day. These studies show that reducing these crashes is accomplished most effectively by making a traffic control plan before the inception of the project. Using detour signs to detour traffic well before the construction zone was reached proved to be one of the most effective forms of traffic control for these projects. In instances in which it was impossible to implement a detour plan, studies have revealed that it was best to not create forced merges in which traffic could become bottlenecked. In order to avoid forced merges, it has been suggested to use signage 1-1/2 miles in advance of work zones that informs drivers of lane closures.
Other research has been done to ascertain the effects that specific traffic signs will have on specific driver demographics. For instance, a study conducted in 1995 has shown that motorists respond better to signs with images that are representational rather than those that have symbols which are abstract in nature. In order to create the best construction zone traffic safety, people should make certain that drivers are properly notified of forthcoming changes and issues. Project planners should make certain that they have placed construction zone signs in the right positions that warn drivers far in advance to lower their speeds and to prepare for lane changes where necessary. Reboundable markers or flexible delineations can be implemented to divide lanes or to mark alternative routes that have been made available. Using these ideas can definitely mean the difference between life and death for construction workers and drivers.
