Communicate vital, life-saving information to a person whizzing by at 65 mph. This is a daily challenge faced by many construction workers. They can confidently tell you that the time to tell a driver to slow down is well before the vehicle enters the project limits. Here are some methods to get the message out to drivers.

Education. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggests a media campaign in advance of a major project. This could involve television and radio ads, periodic newspaper articles and daily construction updates (with project web site addresses if available). Notifying AAA allows them to pass the information on to their members. For projects in urban areas, pamphlets mailed to adjacent landowners and windshield fliers have been used to communicate schedules and construction and safety tips to localized impact areas.

Advance Warning. Warning signs well in advance of a work zone give motorists an opportunity to exit a highway to find an alternate route. Variable message signs directing motorists to a radio station dedicated to road condition updates are successful in distributing up-to-date information. Rumble strips in series and prior to entry into a work zone are also often used. Drone radar units attached to a sign post and activating a 'drone' signal on radar detectors is another practice being utilized to alert inattentive drivers. And there is also the tried and true method of posting a police car at the construction site. The threat of a speeding ticket usually quickly communicates the message to slow down.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Using traffic queue detection equipment, dynamic message boards relay information to motorists as traffic conditions change. An example would be Estimated Time-of-Delay signs, which prepare motorists for delays and gives them added incentive to find another route. Another example would be alternate route directions that would change as available detour route capacity is maximized.

Flaggers. "Flagger Ahead" signs are used to notify the driver to expect stopped or slowed traffic. New high visibility vests and hard hats make these construction workers more visible, thus improving their ability to communicate directions to the motorist. In some states, a flashing paddle with mounted strobe lights has been successful in drawing a driver's attention to the flagger.

Pace Vehicles. A pace vehicle can also be used to direct traffic into and out of the construction area. By leading traffic through the work zone at the recommended speed limit, this vehicle forces cars behind it to drive slowly.

Researchers find that any information, whether through signage, warnings, or radio broadcasts, can ease driver frustration and reduce the temptation to push their way through the construction zone. This information however, cannot be inaccurate or misleading. Make sure that your construction signs are covered up or removed when work is not in progress. Otherwise drivers will ignore these signs when valid safety and construction information is being provided.

If you have questions on maintenance and protection of traffic during construction, contact Lorenzo Rotoli, P.E., P.T.O.E. at (585) 334-1310, ext. 245 or lrotoli@fisherassoc.com.