Efforts Lag to Improve Safety at Work Zones

The past five years on American roadways have proven to be deadly, especially in work zones. Pavement-edge drop-offs have been considered a deadly road construction hazard. In addition to pavement edge drop-offs, there are other hazards including concrete barriers in the wrong position, obsolete lane markings left in place and warning signs never deployed. Although there are standards, they are loosely enforced and differ from state to state. The article focuses on the need to strengthen the existing federal regulations. It calls for additional tracking of work-zone crashes and holding contractors and state highway planners responsible for improving work zone safety.