While working traffic control, we communicate with motorists on a daily basis. We do so by wearing our ANSI Type 2 or Type 3 reflective safety vests and pants. We set up advance warning signs. We set our work zone using a flashing arrow panel, reflective traffic drums, and cones with reflective collars. We go to these lengths to communicate to motorists the message, “Hey, we’re here working. Slow down. Be alert. Use caution.”
A MOTORIST’S PERSPECTIVE
Imagine, as a motorist, driving down the road just after it rains. You stop at a red light. Visibility rapidly decreasing as fog rolls in. Visibility drops to 150 feet. When the light turns green, you apply the gas gently, due to weather conditions.
You travel forward about 200 feet. You slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a road worker. As you look to the left, in the center median, you see three work trucks. The worker walks towards your window yelling profanities at you.
There he is! No communications with motorists. No reflective vest. No operating work lights on the trucks. No conspicuity tape on the trucks. No advanced warning signs. This near miss incident could have been avoided if the work crew abided by the safety tenet of being visible.
Those of us, working in the traffic control profession, run a high risk of being struck by oncoming motorists. To reduce this risk, we must communicate “We’re here!” to them. There’s no better way to do this than by being visible!
WHEN ARE WE MOST VULNERABLE TO MOTORISTS?
Ask yourself: During our traffic control shift, when are we most vulnerable to motorists? Some believe when you’re setting up the work zone (drums and cones). Others feel it’s when you’re setting the advanced warning signs. Both are dangerous. Both have high exposure to speeding traffic. However, when you’re setting the advanced warning signs, motorists have no idea that you’ll be there. All you have in place to communicate are your ANSI vests and amber lights on top of your work truck. Is it enough? Well, 727 lives are lost each year in work zone crashes.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE MORE EFFICIENTLY WITH MOTORISTS
Traffic Control Professional agree that being highly visible is the key factor to being safe. We want to be visible from at least 1,000 feet away. When our truck becomes visible to motorists, we want them to immediately recognize it as a work truck and think, “Where’s the crew!?” We can make this happen by outlining the bed of our trucks with 2” reflective conspicuity tape. Conspicuity tape is reflective self-adhering tape. 2” wide. Red and white alternating colors. This is the same tape that is required to be installed on all commercial trailers.
In addition to conspicuity tape, it is recommended to add high visibility vehicle chevron markings to our permanent vertical surfaces at the rear of the truck bed. The same should be done to the vertical surfaces at the front of the bed which extends above the cab.
Another recommendation from traffic control professionals we hear often is to add additional amber lights to the work truck. Adding additional lights is a good idea, but where? The additional lights should extend outward to the edge of your truck bed. It would be better if we’re able to have lights around the truck encompassing 360 degrees of the vehicle.
A HIGH-TECH SOLUTION TO COMMUNICATIONS
Another suggestion that was offered involves new technology. This innovative idea will become a reality. The ultimate communications solution between the traffic control team and motorists. The idea: Install a connectivity box in the truck bed. When the box is activated, it will send a signal to WAZE. WAZE will add your work location to their GPS mapping system!
As a motorist navigating with WAZE, you’ll know where the traffic control crews are miles ahead of time. This advanced technology puts the driver on alert to be attentive until they pass through the job site.
PREVENTING A TRIP AND FALL
When we’re working night operations, it is very difficult to see the ground around the truck bed. However, this is the very place we need to be when pulling signs and stands off the truck. When a teammate trips or falls into the roadway, there’s no efficient way to communicate the emergency with motorists.
The best thing we can do is to help prevent the trip and fall accident by illuminating the ground around the truck bed. A team of traffic control professionals has added work lights to their patented truck beds that are aimed downward. The function of the lights is to illuminate the ground around the truck bed. This enables our traffic control team to see where they’re stepping with each stride.
Check out our most recent video below for more incite on Traffic Pro Bed’s new lighting options. Available on YouTube.
Also discover the one innovation in traffic control that will provide your crew the ultimate level of visible. With over ten feet of high visibility vehicle chevron markings. Conspicuity tape. Ground lights for your workers. And technology to communicate your whereabouts to WAZE, press the products button below!
