Home page News It’s a Matter of Life and Death

It’s a Matter of Life and Death

ON AVERAGE, 100 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ARE KILLED AND 2,500 ARE INJURED EVERY YEAR IN ROADSIDE CONSTRUCTION WORK ZONES. (AVERAGES FROM 2021 – 2018 DATA) *

But why should that concern you?  

If you or a loved one aren’t in the construction industry, this statistic might seem far from home. However, these statistics are even more alarming when it’s about the general population of everyday drivers.  

On average, over 800 people die and 39,000 are injured in work zone crashes each year. (Averages from 2021 – 2018 data) ** 

That might hit a bit closer to home.  

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION WORK ZONES

Traffic Safety Month is meant to bring awareness to this issue and educate the public on the importance of roadway safety through construction zones.  

Ensuring safety in construction work zones is not just about protecting the workers; it’s also about safeguarding the motorists who navigate through these potentially hazardous areas. When drivers speed, get distracted by their phones, or ignore construction signs (the 3 primary causes of wrecks in construction work zones) they put everyone at risk—workers, other drivers, and even themselves. 

Let’s take a closer look at the IH 10 Sealy Yoakum project, a prime example of effective traffic control and safety measures. This project aimed to improve a vital transportation corridor, and its Traffic Control Plan (TCP) was meticulously designed to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. 

IH 10 SEALY YOAKUM: A MODEL OF SAFETY

IEA’s work on IH 10 Sealy Yoakum is a testament to the importance of a well-thought-out Traffic Control Plan (TCP). IEA’s team, under the direction of Jim, worked with TxDOT to ensure the TCP for this construction would keep the public and construction crews safe while building this project.   

Jim Reiser, PE (IEA’s Project Manager) stated that, “Motorist safety was paramount,” when designing the final construction plan for this 3.3-mile segment of 6-lane freeway with 2-lane frontage roads in both directions. The team phased construction so that frontage roads would be completed first and by-pass lanes were utilized to limit the stops for traffic going through the construction zone. The team implemented numerous safety measures to protect both workers and drivers. These measures included: 

  • Wide Shoulders: Designing the roadway with a minimum of 12’ lanes, with 10’ outside shoulders and 4’ inside shoulders to give ample space for passers-byers.  
  • Smart Work Zone: Implementing a signage system to give advanced warning of the upcoming work zone and lower speed limits. 
  • Barrier Systems: Installing sturdy barriers to separate work zones from active traffic lanes. 
  • Worker Visibility: Requiring workers to wear high-visibility clothing to make them more noticeable to drivers, especially in low-light conditions. 

These implementations were crucial in maintaining safety and minimizing disruptions during construction. The meticulous planning and proactive measures taken in the IH 10 Sealy Yoakum project illustrate how a comprehensive TCP can effectively mitigate risks and protect everyone involved. 

Reiser shared that he, and the other key designers, had many meetings with the CEI team throughout the projects construction to gain feedback on the efficiency of the TCP. He learned what worked well and what could be improved for future projects.  

Reiser said, “The key is actively seeking feedback, getting a face-to-face meeting, and making the person feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts. This requires active listening skills and avoiding the temptation of getting defensive or argumentative.” 

HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SAFETY

As a driver, your actions can significantly impact the safety of construction zones. Here are some ways you can contribute: 

  • Slow Down: Always adhere to posted speed limits in work zones. Reduced speeds can prevent accidents, save lives, and keep traffic moving to get everyone to their final destination. 
  • Stay Alert: Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions, such as mobile devices, while driving through construction areas. 
  • Follow Signs: Pay attention to and follow all posted signs and directions from construction workers. These signs are there for your safety. 
  • Be Patient: Understand that construction is necessary for improving our roadways. Plan for potential delays and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. 

Traffic Safety Month is an important reminder of the shared responsibility we all have in ensuring safety on our roads, especially in construction zones. By staying vigilant, adhering to traffic control measures, and respecting the work being done, we can significantly reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. 

At the end of the day, safety measures are in place to help everyone get home to their families every night. That includes motorists — traveling for work to boost our economy or for pleasure to deepen our communities’ relationships — and construction workers — building a better infrastructure to support our further growth and development.  

 

*Sourced From: https://www.osha.gov/ ; https://www.bls.gov/  

**Sourced From: https://highways.dot.gov/ ; https://www.nhtsa.gov/