Combating Work Zone Danger

New safety systems for highway work zones are helping to reduce deaths and injuries in the United States, while much work is being done in Europe to improve work zone safety. With more road building underway than at any one time in Texas history, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is introducing its first highway safety system with queue-warning technology and temporary rumble strips to cut work zone collisions. The system, being tested on I-35, uses sensors to measure the speeds of approaching vehicles and then warns drivers through portable electronic signs about upcoming traffic backups due to night lane closures in work zones. The rumble strips are spaced between sensors to send mild vibrations through oncoming vehicles to get the attention of distracted or drowsy drivers. It is hopeful the system can be expanded in other areas. The technology uses a comprehensive approach to warn drivers of traffic backups and thereby decrease the likelihood that drivers will enter a work zone at an unsafe speed. It represents the future of roadway safety and is well worth pursuing.