How to Prevent Traffic Accidents During Construction and Roadworks

It can be an extremely dangerous time when you’re around any roadworks or construction. Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, you need to always be on alert for any potential hazards that you could encounter. 

As a worker during these projects, you also need to have the best equipment and protective barriers in place to ensure you’re putting the safety of pedestrians and drivers first. You never know when something can go wrong, so here are some important measures to put into place on your job to maximise safety.  

Variable Messaging Signs

One way to set up a safe work zone is to employ the help of signage. That could come in the form of a variable messaging sign or specific individuals holding signs to direct the flow of traffic.        

Safety Barriers 

Naturally your construction zone is going to need some crash barriers (our speciality). These could be guard rails, wire ropes, or barrier systems to help protect not only the pedestrians and drivers, but also your working team onsite.

There is always the danger of distracted drivers, and you’ll require barriers to ensure the safety of your work goes on as scheduled. There is nothing worse when an issue arises on the job, costing you time and money! You can also add features such as crash cushions to your barriers for extra cushioning in any crash situation.     

What If You’re a Driver?  

We haven’t forgotten about the regular drivers in this situation! If you’re surrounded by roadworks or just casually driving through, we have some tips on how to stay as safe as possible in that situation. It’s not just up to the workers to keep you protected, you need to be on the lookout as well.

Do Not Tailgate

This is a big no-no! The less space there is between you and the car in front of you, the less time you have to stop safely and avoid a collision. This is even riskier in a construction zone, as there can be multiple vehicles and workers moving in unpredictable ways. Keep extra space between you and the car in front to protect yourself and others. 

Do Not Get Distracted

Distractions are a big one! We’re looking at you, the phone obsessed. You should not be on your phone full stop if you’re driving, but it’s even more dangerous around roadworks. There also may be signs and workers you need to be paying attention to, so put that pesky phone away and watch carefully.  

Follow All Construction Worker Instructions 

Signs, workers, barriers, they may all have instructions for you. Be on alert for any information that may be important to follow. Check if workers are holding signs or if there are any changes you need to be wary of. 
We hope this gives you a good idea to not only protect yourself in a roadworks situation, but also how to prepare if your own job is to set up and manage a construction area. At McIntosh Fencing, we craft crash barriers of the highest quality, and can supply you with the protection that you need for your project. Get in touch today.