Work zones are highly prone to traffic accidents. One of the main reasons behind that is that workers usually work in close proximity to large vehicles, and in some cases, they are using and driving vehicles.
The vehicles used in work zones are typically large trucks and other large automobiles. That’s why most accidents occur in work zones.
The Federal Highway Administration reports that traffic accidents account roughly for over 9 percent of all work-zone-related fatalities. That’s why there is a crucial need to make work zones safer places.
The following are some of the most useful ways in which work zones’ safety can be enhanced. Work zone authorities should do the following to make work zones safer places.
- Develop Efficient Traffic Control Plans
Work zone authorities should have a complete understanding of how traffic works so that they can design their work zones and operate them in such a manner that they can eliminate and minimize traffic accidents.
They have to stay closely in contact with traffic authorities. There are many companies dedicated to these purposes, such as the traffic safety company Capital Traffic which helps work zones with traffic protection and control plans, implementation of traffic controls, lane closures, sign installations, flagging operations, and much more.
The following key areas must be addressed:
- The Advanced Warning Area
- The Transition Area
- The Activity Area
- The Termination Area
- Implementation of Protective Safety Measures
Implementation of protective safety measures, such as creating a barrier between workers and motorists, is absolutely crucial for the safety of work zones. Workers should be able to do their jobs in a safe and sound environment. The work zones should also be able to handle accidents if they happen.
- Improve Worker Visibility
A large number of work zone-related accidents occur due to inefficient worker visibility. The areas in which workers must be lightened up so that drivers can easily see the workers from a distance. This should be specially taken care of if workers are working at ninight. .4Intrusion Alert Technologies
Work zone intrusion alert technologies help workers react to intrusions and get to safety. They can utilize many such technologies, such as intellicone, intellistrobe, sonoblaster, traffic guard worker alert system, etc.
Conclusion
Work zones are among the most crowded areas in any city or town. Since they are the busiest areas, they are also the most hazardous and prone to all sorts of accidents. One of the most common types of accidents occurring in work zones is traffic accidents.
Work zones should be designed such that there are no or minimal accidents. The work zone authorities should stay in contact with traffic authorities and keep making their zones safer.
