11.09.2014
The advice comes after the Highways Agency released CCTV footage of near misses involving its workers and motorists that failed to pay attention to warning signs and reduced speed limits on sections of road being worked on.
Highways Agency figures indicate that between 2009 and 2013, eight road workers died and 317 were injured while working on or near motorways and major A roads in England.
In 2013 the numbers reached their lowest level with no fatalities and 30 injuries. Of these 30 injuries, 18 were serious involving 10 road workers from incident response teams and 8 from construction and maintenance teams – the most since 2007.
The CCTV footage released by the organisation shows two near misses involving large HGVs. One careered through cones protecting a maintenance crew, while the second narrowly missed a vehicle attending a breakdown. Both ignored or failed to see overhead lane closed signs.
Roads minister John Hayes said: "The safety of those who work around the clock to carry out vital improvements and keep drivers moving after incidents is absolutely paramount. It is not worth putting road workers’ lives at risk, let alone the tragic impact on their lives and those of their families, simply to shave a few seconds off your journey."
Serious Injuries Among Road Workers Have Increased Since 2007
Motorists around the UK have been urged to remain vigilant when travelling through roadworks in a bid to reduce the number of accidents involving road workers.The advice comes after the Highways Agency released CCTV footage of near misses involving its workers and motorists that failed to pay attention to warning signs and reduced speed limits on sections of road being worked on.
Highways Agency figures indicate that between 2009 and 2013, eight road workers died and 317 were injured while working on or near motorways and major A roads in England.
In 2013 the numbers reached their lowest level with no fatalities and 30 injuries. Of these 30 injuries, 18 were serious involving 10 road workers from incident response teams and 8 from construction and maintenance teams – the most since 2007.
The CCTV footage released by the organisation shows two near misses involving large HGVs. One careered through cones protecting a maintenance crew, while the second narrowly missed a vehicle attending a breakdown. Both ignored or failed to see overhead lane closed signs.
Roads minister John Hayes said: "The safety of those who work around the clock to carry out vital improvements and keep drivers moving after incidents is absolutely paramount. It is not worth putting road workers’ lives at risk, let alone the tragic impact on their lives and those of their families, simply to shave a few seconds off your journey."
Expert Opinion
Any serious injury on the roads is simply too many, so it is concerning to see reports that 30 road workers were injured while performing their duties. It is vital motorists take these figures on board and remain vigilant and aware of signage designed to protect those who maintain the UK’s roads and help stranded drivers. <br/> <br/>"Through our work helping those who have been left with severe life-changing injuries as a result of collisions, we have seen the devastating impact crashes can have on so many lives. <br/> <br/>"It is crucial all road users take this advice on board and take steps to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Just a split second loss of concentration while behind the wheel of a vehicle can have devastating consequences and it is vital road users remain vigilant at all time, particularly when workers may be present.” Cathryn Godfrey - Associate
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