Expanding Use of Positive Protection for Work Zone Safety

In 2019, there were more than 120,000 crashes, 43,000 injuries, and at least 780 deaths to workers, drivers and pedestrians in work zones. Construction workers in highway work zones have to perform their jobs next to the traveling public and put their lives in the danger of speeding, distracted, and impaired drivers. Shifting away from cones and barrels to the widespread use of positive protection such as portable concrete barriers to separate workers from motorists may be the most effective way to protect workers in highway work zones.