Here’s a captivating introduction for the article:
“Every day, thousands of road workers put their lives on the line to ensure our daily commutes run smoothly. From patching potholes to installing new traffic signals, these unsung heroes face countless hazards on the job, from speeding vehicles to hazardous materials. The statistics are staggering: according to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 4,000 workers are injured on the job each year, and over 100 lose their lives. But what if technology could be the game-changer that saves lives and reduces injuries on our nation’s roads? A new innovation is making waves in the industry, promising to revolutionize road construction and protection for workers. In this article, we’ll explore the cutting-edge technology that’s set to transform the way we build and maintain our roads, and what it means for the safety of the workers who keep our infrastructure moving.”
Preventing Tragedies like the One in West Palm Beach
New high-tech equipment may help protect highway crews doing road construction or road resurfacing as well as Road Rangers who stop to help motorists change a flat tire on I-95 or the Turnpike.
The idea for this equipment was sparked by the death of a road construction worker about a year ago in West Palm Beach. In December 2023, a worker doing road resurfacing was struck at about 3:40 a.m. near the intersection of North Congress Avenue and Executive Center Drive. While he did not survive, new technology could prevent another tragedy like this from happening again.
Protecting Road Rangers and Highway Crews
It’s a warning system that could save lives. It’s called the Road Defender — which includes a watch that emits a siren — giving road construction workers a few seconds to get out of the way if a driver is coming right at them.
“I think there’s a lot of potential in this device. I’m excited about using it,” Ranger Construction Vice-President of Safety & Risk Management Mark Ligon said.
Vixon Louis, 67, of Miami, an employee of Ranger Construction, was struck by a hit and run driver who plowed through a road construction zone in West Palm Beach in 2023. He later died at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
“More advanced warning would’ve given him a chance to get out of the way. Whether in fact he would’ve been able to, we don’t know that. But at least it would’ve given him the opportunity,” Ligon said.
The Possibility of Saving Lives in the Future
“Our system could help prevent this thing from happening in the future by using long-range sensors that collect incoming traffic to then give the workers early warning in the event of a potential danger,” said Jason Lee, CEO and Founder, SmartCone Technologies.
A unit, which is basically the brain of the system, is mounted on the repaving vehicle that road workers use. It has a long-range digital camera, a radar, and artificial intelligence component that watches oncoming traffic approaching the road workers’ work zone.
“This sees up to a mile down the road. So together inside the computer that’s in our device, it takes the radar, it tells the unit hey, we got lots of traffic coming at a certain speed, the AI camera begins watching the traffic and look at its behavior and if it’s a behavior that’s questioned it flashes a light on top here and sends a message to the watches,” Lee said.
SmartCone Technologies’ Vision
The Founder’s Story: Jason Lee’s Passion for Safety
Jason Lee, CEO and Founder, SmartCone Technologies says this same equipment could protect Road Rangers from being hit on I-95 or the Turnpike, as we have seen in two incidents in south Florida recently. He also says it might’ve saved the three Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle deputies who were struck and killed on Southern Blvd. in November 2024.
The Technology Behind the Road Defender
“I hope that it helps reduce incidents and saves lives, but I also hope it gives workers more confidence and awareness when they’re working on the street so they can feel safer and better and more confident with their job,” Lee explained.
The Potential for Expansion to Other High-Risk Areas
West Palm Beach is the first place in the U.S. where this equipment is being used to protect road workers. Ranger Construction may purchase more of them once they’ve had some experience using them.
Conclusion
As our article has highlighted, new technology is poised to revolutionize the way we protect road workers from the dangers of their job. The development of advanced sensors and smart traffic management systems has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities on our roads. By providing real-time alerts and warnings to workers, these innovations can help prevent collisions and near-misses, ultimately saving lives.
The significance of this technology cannot be overstated. Road construction and maintenance are inherently hazardous occupations, and the absence of adequate safety measures has far-reaching consequences. The implementation of these new technologies has the power to not only improve safety but also increase productivity and efficiency on roadwork sites. Moreover, it will also help to reduce the emotional toll on workers and their families who have lost loved ones in on-the-job accidents.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the impact of this technology will be far-reaching. Not only will it transform the way we approach roadwork safety, but it will also pave the way for the development of even more innovative solutions. The potential for machine learning and artificial intelligence to further enhance safety and efficiency is vast, and it is crucial that we continue to invest in and support the development of these technologies. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the well-being and safety of our road workers, and this new technology is a crucial step in achieving that goal.