The efficient and safe flow of traffic through the work zones is a main concern to the transportation industry, officials, the public, commercial motor carriers, and businesses. People in different sectors are now working to make work zones function much better by way of providing transportation practitioners with the high-quality tools, products, and info, which may be of great value in designing, planning, and implementing more efficient, safer, and lesser congested work zones.
One of the greatest products that are of great help to people nowadays are warning beacons. These are beneficial in preventing accidents, especially in work zones. In fact, transportation accidents have been one of the leading causes of on-the-job incidents in the USA each year since 1992.
Remember, each and everyone plays a huge role in the maintenance of a harmless work zone area in the course of roadway construction.
Beacons for Work Zone Safety
The presence of beacons in work zones is so important in preventing any accidents. Specifically, the safety beacon – a warning device, which lights up if needed to draw your attention, and may sometimes produce wailing, loud noises when joint with the sounder. Safety beacons are so important in work zones as they may immediately grab the attention of people, as well as make them mindful of the existing danger.
Moreover, safety beacons are commonly set up for some evacuation purposes, to warn the workers of possible danger, and that speedy evacuation is important. Safety beacons alone cannot prevent accidents occurring, yet they sure are beneficial in preventing the casualty from becoming bigger. Apart from telling and warning people to evacuate an infrastructure, the beacons may also catch firefighters attention, as well as the police officers.
Even though beacons are surely beneficial in times of uncertainty, like in accidents, it is still important to play your own part. As mentioned earlier, we all have a role to play in maintaining a work zone that is free of harm during roadway construction. Below are the dos and don’ts you need to take note of.
Do’s
– Watch for lane diversions and detours.
– Use some extra caution while driving through a construction site at night.
– Be aware of construction vehicles, equipment, and construction workers.
– Watch how the traffic ahead flows.
– Expect what’s unexpected. Anticipate any potential dangers ahead.
– Watch for slowing or stopped traffic. You should not tailgate.
– Pay attention and notice directions on work zone warning indications. Remember, work zone flaggers and signs save lives.
– Drive with care and slowly, especially on construction sites. You should always obey speed limits in the work zone.
– Minimise the distractions. Avoid using the phone, changing radio stations, etc.
– Stay alert all the time.
– Pay close attention to the warning signs or message boards posted beforehand a construction site.
Don’ts
– Change lanes within the work zone.
– Tailgate. Most accidents within the work zone are rear-ended crashes.
– Continue normal speed up until after you surface totally out of the work zone site.
– Slow down just to look for the construction work being done.
– Slow down or speed up ominously while you go through a certain work zone.
Accidents are unpredictable and hard to prevent. The most common places where these take place are in work zones. To assist in effective preventive measures or at least, lessen the casualties or damages is the installation of beacons or sounders. These are so essential in drawing attention immediately, as well as contributing towards minimising incidents from occurring.