Flagger Safety Tips for Trucking Companies in Minnesota

During the spring and summer months, construction activity increases dramatically. As crews across the country work diligently to repair roadways and spur new development, it’s essential that drivers are aware of how to safely interact with flaggers. Drivers who aren’t paying attention or who don’t take the appropriate precaution to avoid accidents are at risk of hitting flaggers and causing serious injury or death. To keep flaggers safe as traffic goes by, everyone must do their part to maintain safe construction sites and effective improvement projects. These safety guidelines are especially important for trucking companies in Minnesota, which send out large vehicles that pose a greater risk to pedestrians and roadside workers.

Biggest dangers to flaggers

Flaggers play an important role in construction projects, but they also assume a pretty significant amount of work, especially if the worksite is adjacent to a major highway or roadway. It’s important to understand some of the circumstances that affect the safety of flaggers so that you are aware of how to exercise caution around construction sites:

• Weather: Because so much construction happens during the summer months, weather has a big effect on the safety of flaggers. Oftentimes, flaggers must stand in direct sunlight for hours at a time, which can increase their risk of heat stroke.
• Drivers: Moving traffic is the primary concern among flaggers. Drivers who aren’t paying attention or are impaired by alcohol or a distraction pose the biggest threat to flaggers. Larger vehicles also pose a risk. If the construction limits space on a roadway, it can be challenging for large trucks to maneuver around the worksite.
• Visibility limitations: At night, limited visibility makes it challenging for drivers to see flaggers. To minimize risk, most sites provide a significant amount of signage and lighting to notify drivers of flaggers on the road.

How drivers can keep flaggers safe

The most effective way to promote safety on the road is for drivers to always be aware of their surroundings. Distractions like cell phones and food should be avoided, and drivers should keep an eye out for signs that indicate construction work up ahead. Truckers must proceed around construction sites with extreme caution by reducing their speed and following directions from flaggers. It’s better to slow down than to run the risk of hitting a flagger on a roadside work site.

Safety is an essential consideration for trucking companies in Minnesota. At K-Way Express, Inc, we understand how important it is to be mindful of a wide variety of road conditions and ensure safe navigation around construction sites and other hazardous circumstances. When you choose us for your transportation and delivery needs, you can rest assured that you are getting the best service possible from a reliable team of experienced professionals.

We’ve been providing customers throughout Minnesota and beyond with transportation and delivery to 48 states since 1949, and we continue to develop a reputation of excellence among our customers. Regardless of what specific services you are looking for, we would be more than happy to assist you. Give us a call to learn more and to receive a free quote!