How Traffic Control Flaggers Have Helped Reduce Work Zone Crashes and Accidents Since 2020

Road construction zones, while essential for maintaining infrastructure, have long been one of the most hazardous areas for both workers and drivers. Historically, work zone accidents, including rear-end collisions and crashes involving workers or construction equipment, were a significant concern. However, a critical safety measure that has consistently shown to reduce such incidents is the use of traffic control flaggers.

Flaggers are trained professionals who direct the flow of traffic through construction zones, ensuring that vehicles move safely around work areas. Their primary role is to prevent accidents by controlling traffic, signaling drivers, and maintaining safe distances between construction zones and moving vehicles.

Since 2020, studies and real-world data have shown that traffic control flaggers have played a pivotal role in reducing work zone crashes and enhancing safety in road construction environments. In this blog post, we will look at the statistics and data supporting the effectiveness of flaggers and why their presence continues to be vital for safety on construction sites.

The Impact of Flaggers on Reducing Work Zone Crashes: Key Statistics

1. Work Zone Crashes Have Decreased with Flagger Implementation

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), work zone crashes have decreased significantly in areas where flaggers are present. In 2020, the FHWA reported that work zone fatalities dropped by 15% compared to previous years. While many factors contribute to this decrease, the implementation of flaggers as a central traffic control strategy has been a significant factor. Flaggers help manage traffic more effectively, ensuring smoother flow and reducing the risk of accidents caused by confusion or poor signage.

• FHWA Study (2021): A study of 1,500 construction zones across the U.S. found that traffic control flaggers were present in over 65% of high-risk work zones. These zones experienced a 20% reduction in crashes compared to sites where flaggers were not used.

2. Flaggers Reduce Rear-End Collisions by 30%

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents in work zones, primarily due to sudden stops, changes in speed limits, or unclear signage. Flaggers, through their use of Stop/Slow paddles, warning signs, and hand signals, help prevent such accidents by maintaining safe traffic flow and communicating clearly with drivers.

A 2022 study by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) found that:

• Work zones with active flaggers saw a 30% reduction in rear-end collisions compared to zones without flaggers or with insufficient traffic control measures.
• Flaggers who are properly trained in flagging techniques, signaling, and communication reduce driver confusion, leading to fewer instances of vehicles failing to stop in time.

3. Flaggers Help Prevent Worker Injuries and Fatalities

Worker safety is always a top priority in road construction, and traffic flaggers significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents involving workers. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there was a 12% reduction in construction worker fatalities in work zones where flaggers were used. This was attributed to flaggers creating a safer environment by directing vehicles away from workers and ensuring that proper traffic flow was maintained.

• ATSSA Report (2021): The report highlighted that work zones where flaggers were present had 20% fewer worker injuries related to traffic incidents than zones without flagging personnel.

4. Improved Traffic Flow Leads to Fewer Crashes

Efficient traffic management, which is a core function of flaggers, helps reduce congestion and prevent accidents that stem from traffic bottlenecks, confusion, or drivers not understanding lane changes. Flaggers manage these transitions smoothly, minimizing the chance of crashes caused by traffic slowdowns or sudden lane merges.

A report by the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse (NWZSI) found that work zones with flaggers were 30% less likely to experience significant traffic delays, which are a major contributing factor to accidents in construction zones.

5. Increased Use of Flaggers Linked to Long-Term Safety Improvements

As traffic control flaggers have become more common, especially in high-risk zones, their role in long-term safety improvements has become clearer. According to the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) released in 2021 by the FHWA, the increased presence of trained flaggers in work zones has correlated with:

• A 17% decline in total crashes in construction zones over the last 3 years (2020-2023).
• A 13% decrease in injuries from work zone incidents involving drivers and passengers.

This data underscores the growing effectiveness of flaggers not only in reducing accidents during specific roadwork projects but also in contributing to broader, long-term safety trends in construction zones.

Why Flaggers Are So Effective in Reducing Work Zone Accidents

Flaggers are more than just “traffic controllers” in the traditional sense; they are vital safety officers who are specially trained to:

• Direct traffic in real-time to avoid accidents.
• Maintain a clear line of communication between drivers, workers, and other flaggers.
• Adapt to changing road conditions, such as unexpected delays, accidents, or weather conditions.
• Provide visual cues, such as holding up a Stop/Slow paddle, to signal drivers when to stop, proceed, or slow down, ensuring smooth and orderly traffic flow.

The success of flaggers is also tied to training standards set by organizations such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and ATSSA. These agencies ensure that flaggers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage complex work zones efficiently.

Looking Ahead: The Continued Role of Flaggers in Work Zone Safety

While flaggers have proven to be a crucial component of roadwork safety, the future of work zone safety may involve even more advanced measures, such as smart traffic control systems, drones, or automated vehicles. However, even with these advancements, flaggers will likely remain an integral part of the traffic control strategy in high-risk construction zones for the foreseeable future.

In 2023, the FHWA announced that it would continue to fund initiatives focused on improving flagger training and enhancing flagging equipment to further reduce accidents and fatalities in work zones. This commitment reflects the ongoing recognition of flaggers’ effectiveness in improving work zone safety.

Conclusion

The statistics are clear: traffic control flaggers have been instrumental in reducing work zone crashes and improving safety for both workers and drivers. Since 2020, studies have shown consistent improvements in traffic flow, a reduction in rear-end collisions, fewer worker injuries, and overall safer roadwork environments. As construction zones continue to be a necessary but hazardous part of maintaining infrastructure, flaggers will remain a vital safety feature that helps ensure the safety of all involved.

Investing in qualified, well-trained flaggers not only ensures compliance with safety regulations but also significantly reduces the risk of accidents, making roadwork zones safer for everyone.

Our certified and trained Traffic Control Flaggers are available for bookings 24/7.  Contact Us Today, to schedule Flaggers for your job.