Would better warning sign placement prevent the deaths of roadworkers on our motorways?

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Would better warning sign placement prevent the deaths of roadworkers on our motorways?

It is tragic to hear about so many deaths and injuries of roadworkers on our motorways, but, while in no way condoning the actions of some drivers who drive at over 70mph after passing roadworks signs, it is a fact that very often the signs are too far ahead of the roadworks, leaving one to think that the work is finished before one gets to the roadworks. In continental Europe I'm sure the management of roadworks is much better.

Asked on 27 October 2012 by PC, Lee-on-Solent

Answered by Honest John

That is a good point. On UK motorways generally there is so much crying wolf that most drivers merely proceed with a little more caution but at undiminished speed. Now what’s happening is that speed caution signs are being replaced by compulsory limit signs with the result that there are fewer nose to tail crashes, but we all spend a lot longer completing our journeys.

Tags: motorway signs road signs safety

Similar questions

How do I know which carriageway traffic delay warnings relate to?

Travelling home to Somerset from Heathrow along the M4 I was grateful to be warned, on numerous occasions, that there were long delays from J13 to J24 on the M5. However, these warnings did of course omit...

Who should I report incorrect overhead traffic signs to?

I have taken to phoning 101 (the nationwide police non-emergency number) on each of the many occasions when I spot a set of overhead signs which are clearly wrong. Is there an more effective way of getting...

Why do roadworks now extend for so long?

When I started driving in 1968 even major roadworks were only slightly disruptive of traffic flow and usually managed by a man holding a stop/go board. Now, even minor works on little-used country roads...