A map of the Interstate highway system made a brief splash on social media earlier this year. A lot of people who shared the map said they had no idea highway numbers followed a format. They assumed the government assigned highway numbers randomly.
[Read more…]Recent Stats Show We Need More Work Zone Safety Tools
Are we losing ground on work zone safety? A recent report shows 97 percent of people who work in road construction zones feel unsafe on the job. That’s a staggering statistic. Meanwhile, the Federal Highway Administration has reported an increase in work zone fatalities in 2021.
At InfraStripe, we’re concerned about the direction these numbers have taken. We’re concerned enough to be thinking about new ways to make work zones safer for everybody — for workers and motorists alike.
[Read more…]Safety Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain
AAA says this summer might be the busiest travel season ever as Americans return to pre-pandemic vacation patterns. Even on clear, sunny days, busier roads create more dangerous traveling conditions. When a heavy summer rain shower pops up, summer driving becomes even more treacherous.
Before you hit the road this summer, consider these safety tips for driving in the heavy rain:
[Read more…]Should You Stay in That Closing Lane a Little Longer? Experts Say Yes
Here’s an interesting question: You’re driving along the freeway. A sign says your lane will end, one mile ahead, to accommodate a work zone. Should you:
A. Merge out of the lane as soon as it’s safe and clear?
B. Stay in the lane until it actually closes and then merge, at the last minute?
Why More Awareness? Because it Matters
Tired of awareness campaigns? We get it. With every month, every week — and sometimes every day — set aside to raise awareness for something, many people stop paying attention. They feel overwhelmed by the volume of causes they’re asked to care about.
[Read more…]Go Orange Day: Eight Years of Growing Awareness
If you see more people than usual wearing orange today, there’s a good reason. It’s Go Orange Day, part of National Work Zone Awareness Week. Today, the highway construction industry invites everyone to wear orange to show their support of work zone safety.
[Read more…]Work Zone Safety Starts With Us
National Work Zone Awareness Week begins today, but we’ll wait until tomorrow to kick off this national awareness campaign. We’ve set today aside to focus on safety training for our industry’s workforce.
To people who don’t know much about National Work Zone Awareness Week, waiting until Day 2 to kick off an awareness campaign might seem a little strange. When you think about it, though, reserving Day 1 to focus on safety training is the perfect place to start.
[Read more…]National Work Zone Awareness Week: A Big Conversation About Safety
As infrastructure professionals, we work hard every day to make highway work zones safer. But there is some work we can’t do.
We can’t slide into the passenger seat next to drivers, as they approach a work zone, and remind them their speed or inattention could be deadly. We can’t explain, to every driver who’s running late for an appointment, that the lives of our crew members matter more than their schedule.
[Read more…]The Data Shows Roundabouts Really Are Safer
Bike lanes, pedestrian crosswalks, and roundabouts merged into the fast lane in 2021 when the federal government passed a large infrastructure bill. The bill earmarked money for these types of projects which make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists as well as for drivers.
[Read more…]Black History Month Spotlight: Garrett Morgan
Black History Month gives us a chance to highlight the contributions of African-Americans within the transportation industry. But any month would be a good time to learn about Garrett Morgan, a prolific inventor whose achievements include one we see everyday.
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