The Ultimate Traffic Safety Guide

Every day when we jump in our car or catch the bus, our goal is safe arrival at our destination and an uneventful ride home. Working behind the scenes, America’s traffic safety professionals facilitate a successful travel experience for millions of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians — but they need our participation to make the system work. 
 
You don’t have to drive far to witness the consequences of distracted driving, speeding vehicles or slick, rainy surfaces. For the most part, motorists understand that driving is a serious job — but fatigue, routine and complacency can steal our focus. 
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), America’s distracted driving habit claimed over 3,500 lives in 2021 alone. 
 

Emerging Solutions for Safer Roadways

Traffic safety planners understand the risks of the road and work to break through the driving haze. Using time-tested traffic control strategies and deploying signs, delineators and other devices, they alert us to danger and remind us to keep our eyes on the road. 
 
Guiding people safely to their next stop requires vigilance and a deep understanding of complex traffic systems. Here are a few ways traffic planners manage motor vehicle flow — and ultimately save lives. 

Traffic Pacing

Partnering with law enforcement, event officials and other experienced team members, traffic safety pros work to control traffic flow or slow speeds around accidents, school zones or jobsites. 

Event Planning

Major events cause congestion near the event center and on nearby roads. Experienced traffic control teams provide event safety services, directing attendees to parking lots, giving pedestrians safe access, and maintaining traffic flow around the area. 

Detour management

If road closures threaten transportation flow, traffic safety professionals design safe detours and direct traffic to minimize the impact of construction and roadblocks. 

What Is the Importance of Traffic Safety?

Traffic safety requires collective efforts from individuals, governments, and organizations to implement and enforce effective safety measures and create safer roadways for everyone. 
 
It is essential for safeguarding human lives, and for several other reasons: 
 
- Human lives: By promoting traffic safety measures, such as obeying speed limits, wearing seat belts, and avoiding distractions while driving, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads. 
 
- Public health: Traffic accidents not only cause physical injuries but also contribute to long-term health problems and disabilities. The aftermath of accidents, such as increased stress and trauma for survivors and families, can have lasting effects on mental health. 
 
- Economic Costs: Traffic accidents result in significant financial burdens for individuals, communities, and governments. These costs include medical expenses, property damage, and costs associated with emergency response and healthcare services.  
  
- Environmental Impact: Accidents often result in environmental damage, such as oil spills, air pollution from burning vehicles, and habitat destruction. The traffic jam caused by accidents can lead to increased fuel consumption and emissions from idling vehicles. 
 
Implementing traffic safety measures not only protects human lives but also helps to preserve the environment and mitigate the ecological footprint of transportation. These measures contribute to the overall well-being of society by fostering a sense of security and trust among community members. 
  
When people feel safe while traveling, they are more likely to engage in outdoor activities, commute to work or school, and participate in community events. 

Four Industries Impacted by Traffic Trouble

Horizontal & Vertical Construction

Horizontal construction, called “civil construction,” typically occurs inside industrial zones. Spanning more land than vertical construction, horizontal structures include warehouses, drainage systems, roadways, bridges, airfields and transit projects. 
 
Vertical construction refers to building projects that are higher rather than longer. Common vertical projects include skyscrapers, multi-floor apartment buildings and high-rise commercial properties. 
 
In horizontal and vertical construction zones, the convergence of motorists, heavy machinery, large trucks, cranes and on-foot work crews greatly increase accident potential. As ongoing construction disrupts standard traffic patterns, it creates collision “hot spots” like these: 
 
- Gridlock on busy roadways created by temporary lane closures. Construction vehicles blocking or merging with routine traffic.  
- Failure to yield to oncoming cars or equipment when flaggers, signage and heavy machinery come together in a confusing way. 
- Drivers inadvertently going in the wrong direction due to shifting traffic patterns or road closures. 
- Impatient motorists taking to the sidewalk to circumvent lane closures and construction equipment.  
- At-risk traffic flaggers who must physically block lanes or instruct disgruntled drivers on right-of-way changes. 

Utilities

More than one utility worker is killed every month in a work-zone traffic collision, making specialized traffic control vital for this industry. 
 
With unpredictable projects lasting from one day to several, utility road safety training incorporates emergency flagging, controlling traffic during extreme weather, and following OSHA safety procedures for identifying and mitigating hazards. 
 
Other situations that put utility workers at risk include: 
 
- Working around traffic during low-light conditions or great heights. 
- Failed fall-protection equipment that puts fallen workers in harm’s way around heavy machinery or nearby motorists. 
- Electrical shock from downed power lines. A shocked crew member may land in traffic or on top of dangerous machinery. 

Maintenance of Traffic (MOT)

Crews serving in the MOT industry are responsible for identifying potential traffic dangers and helping vehicles, utility workers, and maintenance crews co-exist safely on our roadways. 
 
Implementing safety measures like pavement markings, barrier installation, traffic signals, proper lighting and pedestrian or bicycle lanes, MOT employees face many of the same risks construction and utility workers encounter. 
 
From merging traffic and heavy-duty equipment to performing work along drainage ditches, dark roadways or tunnels, MOT teams are always on-guard to reduce motorist, pedestrian and work-crew accidents.  

Municipalities

High population densities, harried drivers and an influx of commercial and residential development can lead to disaster when municipalities don’t control their traffic infrastructure. 
 
As communities are on the move and trying to arrive at work or school on time, traffic congestion naturally increases. This is complicated by the arrival of commuters living out of town for quality of life or cost of living reasons. 
 
And finally, when folks get where they are going, the parking search can take hours. 
 
According to the Washington Business Journal, Americans spend an annual average of 17 hours searching for parking. As drivers compete for parking spots or park illegally, accident potential rises. 
 
With all these traffic facets in mind, today’s municipality managers must revamp roadways, encourage mass transportation models, install e-bike and scooter shares, and add HOV lanes to surrounding highways. 

Life-Saving Traffic Safety Products

From congested work zones to school crosswalks and neighborhood parks, traffic safety products are crucial in safeguarding people and minimizing collisions or traffic incidents. 
 
As you develop a holistic traffic management strategy, consider adding these tools to your safety arsenal. 

Traffic Barricades

An essential traffic control device trusted by contractors, construction crews and town governments, traffic barricades play various roles across America’s cities. Primary uses for these traffic-blocking devices include:  
 
- Slowing and controlling traffic flow near work zones or schools. 
- Safeguarding pedestrians & cyclists. 
- Alerting motorists to upcoming lane changes or hazards. 
- Managing traffic and parking at major events. 
- Dividing opposing lanes of traffic or reconfiguring lanes. 
- Controlling access to off-limits areas and first-responder zones. 
 
Depending on the situation, safety specialists may recommend these proven barricade styles: 

Water Barriers

Known as a traffic-control staple, water-filled, Jersey-style barriers are lightweight, sturdy and easy to move. Consider fluorescent, all-weather water barricades for demarcating work zones, blocking lane closures, lining pedestrian walkways and more. 
 
As roadwork or projects progress, crews can quickly transport empty water barriers to the next location. 
 
Other uses for water barriers include:

- controlling event traffic 
- guiding lane changes during bridge building 
- designating temporary parking areas 
- blocking unauthorized vehicles from secure entry. 

Type I, II & III Barricades

Type I, II and III barricades are three main types of traffic safety barriers. Each type includes unique features designed for use in particular situations. Here is a basic rundown of Type I, II and III barrier uses. 

- Type I Barricades

The lightest and most common traffic safety barrier. This four-post barricade style includes reflective sheeting on the top half for dim-light situations. 
 
Type I barricades are most suitable for lower-speed areas, including driveways, parking lots, pedestrian walkways and neighborhood streets. Easy to maneuver and install with one crew member, Type I barricades are not recommended for highways or thoroughfares since their lightweight design does not resist vehicle impact. 

- Type II Barricades 

Tougher and more durable than Type I barriers, Type II barricades are commonly seen on highways and higher-speed settings. Known as “a-frame” or “channelizer” barriers, Type IIs include reflective stripes at the top and bottom for improved visibility. Able to withstand collision impact thanks to their breakaway design, they are often reusable after accidents occur. One downside is that Type II barriers are unwieldy and harder for crews to install on the fly. 

- Type III Barriers

These barriers form the highest level of traffic protection since Type III barriers are the largest and heaviest safety barricades. 
 
A popular traffic device for many settings, Type III barricades weigh 100+ pounds and stand around 4 feet tall. 
 
It takes multiple crew members to deploy these barriers properly, but they are ideal for interstates and 50+ MPH thoroughfares since they resist breaking after high-speed collisions. 

Channelizing Devices

Channelizers are traffic control devices that guide motorists, cyclists and pedestrians along a safe, intended path. Available in various shapes and sizes, they include traffic cones, drums and delineators. Channelizers can also be paired with LED lights, connected barricades and signage or electronic message boards to enhance visibility. 
 
The effectiveness of channelizers comes from their ability to create a straightforward and obvious path for cyclists and motorists. When there is a clear traffic route, drivers are less likely to become confused or cause an accident. 
 
Used similarly, traffic cones, delineators and drums often come in breakaway styles, allowing them to rebound after vehicular impact. Other popular uses include:  
 
- Calling out work zones, detours and blind curves. 
- Directing traffic flow around jobsites, collisions or hazards. 
- Prevent unauthorized entry and safeguard passersby. 

Traffic Signs

As a foreperson or contractor, your crew’s safety is priority #1. As you work to maintain a safe construction zone, your safety efforts could also save the lives of hundreds of motorists. 
 
One of the clearest ways to demarcate accidents or slow down traffic is with high-visibility signage.  
 
When OSHA signs and other traffic signage are correctly placed and legibly styled, they alert drivers to hazards, lane changes, first-responder zones, schools and events, or parking structures. 
 
There are endless in-stock sign options, but companies like 95 Traffic Safety Supply also create on-demand custom signage and banners. Traffic sign styles and types include:  

- Roll-Up Signs

These lightweight signs are quickly installed by small crews and come in a variety of sizes and colors. Roll-up signs are designed for temporary use and are perfect for work zones with changing traffic patterns.

Customize roll-up signs with specific messaging and ensure max visibility with bright colors and large words. Roll-up signs can also be used with delineators to further direct traffic changes. 

- Sign Stands

These sturdy, reliable sign holders resist the weather and are commonly installed on longer-term jobsites. Customize your messaging or choose OSHA-regulated signage to reduce accidents and improve work-zone safety. 

Permanent Signs

Some road work zones last for months, making permanent signage the most durable option. Constructed from bright, highly reflective materials, permanent signs can be seen any time — day or night. Tailor messaging to warn vehicles and pedestrians, direct speed limits or control traffic in hazardous areas.

Roadway Safety Equipment

As the construction industry grows and utility repairs remain common, strategically using traffic safety equipment is essential for accident reduction and improved infrastructure. 
 
Devices like crash cushions safeguard motorists from collision-related injuries and fatalities as they absorb the impact of a crashing vehicle. Popularly used in road repair zones and highway construction, crash cushions distribute the impact force and keep automobiles from crossing into an opposite lane. 
 
Used in conjunction with crash cushions, arrow and message boards deliver important real-time notifications alerting drivers to roadside hazards, lane closures or detours. Generally mounted on small trailers, these boards are easily transported as location needs change. 

Remember to keep all electronic messaging straightforward and to the point so there is no driver confusion when encountering the signage. 
 
We mentioned traffic delineators before, but it bears repeating: these bright-colored, hi-viz markers have handy top handles, so they are quick to deploy in temporary work zones, parking garages, gas stations or parking lots. 
 
Resistant to UV light and highly visible in dim conditions or inclement weather, delineators mark the outside edge of curves or emphasize lane separations on streets where vehicles drive less than 50 MPH. 

Safety Is #1 at 95 Traffic Safety Supply

At 95TSS, we know safety is the most critical part of your construction project, utility repair or traffic control initiative. With the help of traffic planning, innovative safety strategies and the industry’s best traffic control equipment, you can ensure the safety of utility workers, construction crews, traffic managers, pedestrians and motorists. 
 
Call today when you need roadway solutions that protect people and minimize liability. The 95TSS traffic safety store carries equipment and signs designed for hi-viz performance and engineered for years of dependable use. 
 
Remove and deploy equipment with ease — and ask our staff about portable storage solutions for barricades, delineators and other devices. 
 
Together, we make work zones safer!