10 August 2004 - Drivers in Roadworks Urged to be Alert to Protect Highways Agency Staff
A recent Highways Agency staff survey has highlighted the high risks of death or injury faced by workers on English roads as the Highways Agency re-launches its safe driving campaign to reduce death and injury accidents at roadworks.
The results of the survey show that of the 400 workers who responded to the survey, 1 in 5 said they had suffered some injury caused by passing vehicles in the course of their careers while working on our road network. Over 75% said they had suffered verbal abuse from drivers, and 40% reported having objects thrown at them by motorists.
Roadworkers were asked if they had been subjected to the following: deliberate throwing of missiles, near miss, verbal abuse, slight personal injury caused by road user's vehicle (e.g. bruising), major personal injury caused by road user's vehicle (e.g. broken bones). The response was disturbing:
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13% of roadworkers surveyed had sustained slight injuries
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3% had sustained major injuries
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77% had suffered verbal abuse from passing drivers
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54% had a near miss with a vehicle
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40% had experienced missiles deliberately thrown at them
Road workers felt most at risk during the morning and evening peak travel periods and in the early hours of the morning.
When asked what, in their experience, caused most drivers to have accidents in roadworks, roadworkers highlighted: driving too fast (identified by 89% of responses), lack of concentration (identified by 76% of respondents), and drivers who had not observed road signs (identified by 73% of respondents). In 2002, the latest year for which the figures are available, 5 roadworkers were killed and 29 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.
David Jamieson, minister for roads commented:
"Everyone is entitled to a safe workplace, yet road workers risk death and injury at work every day. Every injury suffered on the roads is one too many. Accidents affect the lives of those people involved, and their families. Now a moment's loss of concentration by a driver or driving too fast through roadworks can have devastating results."
David York, Highways Agency National Traffic Director also commented:
"Today's
roadworks are tomorrow's better roads, but this survey highlights the risks
to the workforce and the completely unacceptable behaviour that staff have
to put up with simply because they are doing their job.
"Road works are essential to keeping our roads safe and in good condition
for all road users. Roadworkers are out often at night and in all
conditions, every single day of the year."
Drivers approaching roadworks are advised to:
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Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety
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Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching
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Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
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Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks
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Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front
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Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
Copies of the 'Driving Through Roadworks' advice leaflet will be distributed by the Agency at exhibitions and events.
Further information can be found on the Highways Agency site by clicking this link Safer Driving Through Roadworks
