In the zone

The relatively poor safety record of road work zones in the USA is highlighted. This is partly due to the complex nature of road work zones. Around half of the workers killed on US construction jobs are run over or backed over and less than half are killed by errant motorists. The major problem is large dumper trucks used to deliver construction materials, whose drivers are often subcontractors. The construction site is constantly moving along the highway under repair and vehicle exit and entry points change. Effective communication within the work zone can be improved using principles developed for use of the highway. These include 'worker present' alarms, warnings about when a work zone is being entered or exited by construction traffic, and speed limits. However a work zone administrator at Michigan Department of Transport is doubtful that a work zone can be made safe except in the complete absence of traffic. Motorist worker interactions usually occur when the worker steps into a lane of live traffic, comprising one death a year, whereas 18 motorist deaths are caused by the work zone speed differential. This suggests that work zone speeds should either not be reduced or reduced by only 10mph. However lower speeds are suggested at those times when workers are present. Suggested technologies to reduce problems include accurate, real-time driver information, using portable variable message signs where necessary. Educating drivers to be more vigilant around work zones, especially mobile lane closures, is also advocated.