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SAFETY PROGRAMS PAVE ROAD TO SAFER WORK ZONES

M Hans, Stacey Sonja Swanson

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Abstract

In recent years the number of construction work zone fatalities have increased dramatically. Between 1988 and 1996, the number of deaths has averaged about 755 per year. Since drivers rarely slow down voluntarily, states and municipalities have had to devise new tools and strategies to try and correct a deadly situation. Some of the devices now making a difference originated in the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and include stop/slow paddles with high powered flashing lights, opposing lane traffic dividers, portable rumble strips and work-area intrusion alarms. Further study is needed for both work zone crews and the motoring public. One suggestion for prevention is to survey a work zone each day looking for misses, such as skid marks or damaged traffic control devices. Analysis of a near miss, could prevent a fatality tomorrow.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

In recent years the number of construction work zone fatalities have increased dramatically. Between 1988 and 1996, the number of deaths has averaged about 755 per year. Since drivers rarely slow down voluntarily, states and municipalities have had to devise new tools and strategies to try and correct a deadly situation. Some of the devices now making a difference originated in the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and include stop/slow paddles with high powered flashing lights, opposing lane traffic dividers, portable rumble strips and work-area intrusion alarms. Further study is needed for both work zone crews and the motoring public. One suggestion for prevention is to survey a work zone each day looking for misses, such as skid marks or damaged traffic control devices. Analysis of a near miss, could prevent a fatality tomorrow.

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Available abstract

In recent years the number of construction work zone fatalities have increased dramatically. Between 1988 and 1996, the number of deaths has averaged about 755 per year. Since drivers rarely slow down voluntarily, states and municipalities have had to devise new tools and strategies to try and correct a deadly situation. Some of the devices now making a difference originated in the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and include stop/slow paddles with high powered flashing lights, opposing lane traffic dividers, portable rumble strips and work-area intrusion alarms. Further study is needed for both work zone crews and the motoring public. One suggestion for prevention is to survey a work zone each day looking for misses, such as skid marks or damaged traffic control devices. Analysis of a near miss, could prevent a fatality tomorrow.

Key concepts: Rumble, Work zone, SAFER, Transport engineering, Intrusion, Work (physics), Engineering, Flashing

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