DON’T BECOME A ROADSIDE STATISTIC

Whether you’re involved in road maintenance or simply working near a roadway, it’s crucial to stay aware of the potential dangers you and your team may face.

Roadside workers face significant risks daily, and recent statistics highlight the severity of these dangers:

• Increase in Work Zone Fatalities: In 2021, work zone fatalities reached a 17-year high, with 954 deaths—a 61% increase from 2013.
• Underreported Fatalities Among Roadside Assistance Providers: Between 2015 and 2021, 123 roadside assistance providers were struck and killed by vehicles, nearly four times higher than previously reported figures.
• Transportation Incidents as Leading Cause of Occupational Fatalities: In 2021, transportation incidents accounted for 42% of all occupational fatalities in the U.S., underscoring the significant risks faced by roadside workers.

These statistics highlight the vital need for enforcing and following safety measures to protect roadside workers. Highway workers should wear Class 3 safety vests or shirts, which offer the highest level of visibility. For those working in areas with slower-moving traffic, such as landscapers, a Class 2 safety vest or shirt is recommended. To maintain maximum visibility both day and night, safety apparel should be replaced regularly when it becomes dirty or worn.