Install traffic signs showing the length, duration and reason for the roadworks in advance of the road work zone as well as several signs showing the remaining length of the road work zone so that motorists can prepare themselves for what is ahead and in order to create greater acceptance for traffic disruptions.
The design of traffic signs in advance of the road work zone and of those along the road work zone should be similar in order to avoid confusing motorists.
Announce reduction and tapering of lanes on time and repeatedly so that motorists can adapt their behaviour accordingly.
Additionally mark lane routing within the tapering area, for instance, using reflecting guiding beacons with arrows or curve signs so that traffic lanes can still be clearly identified at night.
Remove all road markings on the former traffic lane, at least in critical areas, such as in taper areas, so that motorists can clearly recognise the travel path.
Install bumps ahead of critical areas, such as steep taper zones, so that motorists can reduce their speed on time.
Effectively separate opposite-way lanes, not just using guiding beacons, but with mobile safety barriers made of steel or concrete that prevent vehicles from colliding head on with traffic on the opposite lane.
Set up an adequate safety zone in front of the work area and separate this, not just with traffic cones or guiding beacons, so that in the event of an accident vehicles are better restrained and road workers are warranted reliable protection.
Install emergency phones in lay-bys or provide an around-the-clock tow-away service so that broken down vehicles hinder traffic as little as possible.
Shift certain construction phases to low-traffic times (for example, at night) so that traffic is disrupted as little as possible.
Administrations and politicians:
A standard analysis of accidents at road work zones throughout Europe is needed so that these findings can be used for the safe installation of a road work zone. Special consideration must given to how motorists perceive the road work zone and the workload on motorists driving through the road work zone.
Guidelines for road work zone equipment, such as traffic signs and road work zone design should be standardised on a European level is as far as possible, so that motorists are not faced with unfamiliar circumstances in each country.
In light of the accident risk in these areas, one should not save on funds for equipping and operating road work zones.
Sufficient funds should be earmarked on a European level for accident research in this area.
EuroTests - EuroTest 2005
