Construction zones on roadways are inherently hazardous environments, with workers frequently exposed to high-speed traffic, heavy machinery, and shifting work conditions. Protecting these workers requires a blend of practical strategies, such as speed management, increased penalties for unsafe driving, and boosting public awareness of work zone safety. These measures can dramatically reduce the number of accidents and protect the lives of construction workers.

The state of worker safety

Construction workers on roadways face significant dangers. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that more than 850 people died in construction zone-related crashes in 2021, and many of the victims were road workers. Thousands more suffer serious injuries each year. These incidents are often caused by speeding, distracted driving, or failure to adhere to posted signage. With road construction projects increasing across the U.S., addressing safety issues for workers is more important than ever.

In addition to fatalities, there are an alarming number of non-fatal injuries. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that construction workers are nearly three times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in work zones than the average worker. The construction industry, which employs over 7 million workers, sees a disproportionately high number of injuries and fatalities compared to other sectors, particularly when workers are exposed to public roadways. Safety measures must keep pace as infrastructure projects ramp up in various states.

State strategies to improve road workers’ safety

Several states have adopted strategic measures to reduce workers’ risks in response to growing concerns over work zone safety. These efforts focus on managing traffic speeds, imposing harsher penalties for dangerous driving behaviors, and increasing public awareness about the importance of careful driving through work zones.

Speed management

Speeding in construction zones is a leading cause of accidents. States have employed multiple strategies to manage traffic speeds and reduce the likelihood of collisions.

Speed reductions

Most states reduce speed limits in construction zones as a primary method for protecting workers. Temporary speed limit signs are placed prominently to ensure drivers know the required slow-down in these areas. In states like Pennsylvania, speed reductions in work zones have markedly decreased the severity and frequency of accidents. Slower speeds give workers and drivers more time to react to potential dangers.

To maximize compliance, flashing signs or speed feedback systems are often used. These systems show drivers their current speed as they approach the zone, encouraging them to adjust their speeds to safe levels before entering high-risk areas.

Variable speed limits

Some states have adopted variable speed limits, which adjust dynamically based on current traffic conditions, the presence of workers, or the time of day. These limits can be reduced during active work hours and returned to normal once the workers leave the site. This system, already in use in states like Colorado and Washington, allows for more tailored traffic control and minimizes disruptions while ensuring worker safety.

Automated penalties

Automated enforcement technologies are becoming more popular in many states, with speed cameras playing a pivotal role in monitoring driver behavior in construction zones. States like Maryland and Illinois have implemented automated penalty systems that issue citations to drivers caught speeding in work zones. 

By automating the process, law enforcement can hold more drivers accountable without needing a physical police presence in the zone, thus improving compliance with posted speed limits.

Studies have shown that when drivers know that automated enforcement is in place, they are far less likely to exceed speed limits, even without seeing a police officer on-site. This technology ensures consistent enforcement and contributes to fewer traffic stops, reducing potential traffic slowdowns in already congested zones.

Stricter penalties for dangerous driving behavior

In many states, fines and penalties for traffic violations in work zones are substantially higher than in normal traffic areas. For example, Texas doubles fines for speeding in work zones, while California imposes fines of up to $1,000 for reckless driving in these areas. These stricter penalties are intended to dissuade dangerous behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or aggressive maneuvers that could endanger workers.

Some states also penalize drivers for not obeying traffic control personnel or signals, with additional points added to driving records or potential license suspensions for repeat offenders. The threat of harsher consequences helps reinforce the importance of safe driving in construction areas.

Education and increasing public awareness

Public awareness is a critical piece of the safety puzzle. Drivers must understand the importance of staying alert and driving cautiously through work zones. To this end, states have launched educational campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of unsafe driving in these areas. 

For instance, California’s “Be Work Zone Alert” campaign uses billboards, TV ads, and social media to remind drivers to slow down and watch for workers. Virginia has a similar initiative called “Give ‘Em a Brake,” which emphasizes the need for extra caution in construction zones. These campaigns are designed to reach a broad audience and create a culture of safety around work zones.

Additionally, many states incorporate work zone safety education into driver’s license tests and defensive driving courses, ensuring drivers know these critical safety measures from the start.

Other ways to reduce roadway incidents

Several other strategies can be implemented to improve worker safety in construction zones beyond speed management and stricter penalties.

Improving worker visibility

High-visibility clothing and gear, such as reflective vests and helmets, make workers stand out to drivers. Many states require construction workers to wear brightly colored, reflective clothing to enhance their visibility, especially at night or during adverse weather conditions. Flaggers are also used in many work zones to direct traffic and improve communication between drivers and construction crews.

Portable lighting systems are sometimes installed to improve visibility during nighttime operations. These lights help drivers see workers and highlight any obstacles or equipment in the roadway.

Using safety technology

Technology continues to play an increasing role in protecting construction workers. Radar speed signs, which display drivers’ current speeds in real-time, have proven effective in encouraging drivers to slow down before they reach a work zone. More advanced technologies, like connected vehicle systems, can alert drivers about upcoming construction zones or lane closures, providing additional warning time and reducing the risk of collisions.

Another emerging technology is automated flagging assistance devices (AFADs). These devices can replace human flaggers, allowing remote control of traffic lights or signs in work zones, thus reducing the risk for workers on the ground.

Providing appropriate training

Proper training is essential for anyone working on or near public roadways. Workers must be fully aware of the hazards and the safety procedures designed to minimize risks. Many states require workers to complete safety training programs before entering a construction zone, including courses on operating machinery near traffic, flagging, and emergency response procedures.

Ongoing training is also important to ensure that workers remain up to date on the latest safety protocols and technologies. Some states, like New York, require periodic re-certification for workers involved in traffic control, ensuring that they remain vigilant and knowledgeable about best practices.

Bottom line

Enhancing safety for construction workers on roadways is an ongoing effort that requires a mix of strategies, including speed management, stricter penalties, public education, and the use of cutting-edge safety technologies. By adopting these measures, states can significantly reduce accidents and create safer environments for workers and drivers. As infrastructure projects expand, so must our commitment to protecting the people who build and maintain these essential roadways.