HIGHWAY WORK ZONES

The increased level of highway rehabilitation work and its major impact on safety is noted, and a survey is described which attempted to determine the nature and scope of the work zone accident problem on the Interstate and Federal-aid primary systems. There were 46,000 accidents in work zones in 1985, of which 485 were fatal. The most common type of accident involved vehicles striking other vehicles, and those striking a fixed object. Pedestrian accidents are also a problem, and 30% of all accidents occurred in darkness. The findings indicate that the highest payoffs would be realized from efforts directed at Interstate and other freeway construction zones, provision for better nighttime guidance and delineation in all work zones, developing smoother daytime traffic flow to alleviate the preponderance of vehicle/vehicle collision, special attention to accommodating the safety of pedestrians, and reducing the hazards of tractor-trailer accidents in work zones. Recent advances in traffic zone technology are also noted. Management strategies for work zone traffic control are very important. The latter, together with good public relations can be an effective tool in enhancing safety.