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Implementation Requirements for Work Zone Intrusion Technologies to Reduce Fatalities

The latest information published by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on fatal crashes shows alarming trends. In 2022, there were 605 fatalities, in 2021, 599, and in 2020, 460. These values represent three consecutive years of ODOT’s highest recorded values, as reported over a 10 year period (Oregon DOT Crash Analysis Unit, 2020). Across the United States, roadway workers on foot being struck by vehicles (both construction equipment and travellng public) was the most prevalent cause of highway worker fatalities (2017-2019) and accounted for 53% of worker fatalities in 2020 (American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), 2022). Preventing intrusions, and protecting workers, is a high priority for both ODOT and contractors. ODOT has an immediate need to address this safety aspect, as identified by near misses in the month of February 2023 from Administrator Lynde’s recent all-ODOT email (Lynde, 2023). This research will focus on work zone intrusion technologies, which may also have application in other areas of roadway safety.