Working on major motorways can be a very hazardous job as you will constantly be working next to fast-moving traffic. Whether you offer breakdown services or work on repairing motorways, there are always many things you can do to make sure you are as safe as possible while you are working next to the traffic. In this article, we will discuss some of these strategies so you can implement them and make yourself as safe as possible while you are working.
High-visibility clothing is a must for anyone working on or near motorways. Even if it is during the day, it is vital that you do everything you can to make sure that drivers can easily spot you, so they can slow down and take care as they pass you in their vehicles. It is not just enough to ensure that you are wearing the appropriate clothing, you must also make sure all of your co-workers are wearing high-visibility clothing, so they too can be seen easily by motorists.
If you work on a motorway on a regular basis, it is essential that the vehicle you use for work is equally as visible as you are. This is why you must have Chapter 8 Chevrons installed on the back of your vehicle. These markers act as high visibility for your vehicle, so they can be easily spotted by other motorists on the road. You will find that any vehicle that has the possibility to slow down or stop on major highways has these markers installed on their vehicles. These vehicles include police cars, ambulances, and highway maintenance vehicles.
Whenever you are working on a motorway it is vital that you place the appropriate signs to alert other motorists of your presence so they can give you a wide berth or slow down to make sure that they do not crash into you. Even if you are briefly stopping on a motor to conduct a breakdown recovery, you should place signs and also place cones around where you are working, to make sure that drivers do not come too close to you. In more serious cases, some motorway works will require the need to close down some lanes, so they have plenty of room to work. If this is the case, you will need to indicate this a few miles before, so you give drivers plenty of time to get in the lane and prepare.
