Are roadwork zones safe?

Abstract

Increasing heavy traffic volumes and ageing of road infrastructure cause road pavement degradation, which leads to the need for repaving or rehabilitation activities – roadwork. As cars are much more enhanced than previous decade, drivers accept roadwork zone as a common condition. Work zones present more complex driving environment in consequence of possible accidents. Accidents in roadwork zones are significant problem in all European countries while noncompliance with speed limits is one of the major safety concerns. The article gives an overview of the existing traffic safety situation in roadwork zones through the EU countries. Analysis of traffic speed of different layout work zones and accidents statistics on the Lithuanian national road network is presented. Based on research this research. The most effective traffic calming measures are highlighted.