AAA: Message Signs Can Boost Work Zone Safety

This article presents findings from two field studies conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, focusing on the efficacy of countermeasures aimed at reducing highway work zone crashes, particularly those involving vehicle-mounted electronic variable message signs (VMSs). Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the Foundation, underscores the importance of addressing this safety challenge to prevent avoidable roadside crashes that endanger the lives of emergency responders and roadside workers. Highlighting statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and federal government data, the article emphasizes the alarming frequency of roadside fatalities among tow truck workers and the critical need for drivers to adhere to move-over laws. Insights from surveys conducted with tow truck workers, emergency responders, and road maintenance workers provide firsthand accounts of the dangers faced in roadside work environments. The article concludes with a call to action to improve driver awareness and response to ensure the safety of those working on the side of the road.