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{{Short description|Traffic Control Safety technology that has gain increased popularity in recent years. }} |
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Revision as of 13:34, 24 March 2023
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| This article, Automated Flagger Assistance Device, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
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Automated Flagging Assistance Devices (AFADs)
Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) are a specialized piece of safety equipment used in the traffic control industry on roadway work zones.[1][2][3] AFADs were designed as an innovative solution to the dangers of traditional traffic control, aiming to increase the safely and efficiency of work zones.[4] [5] AFADs operate daily, short-term lane closure work zones and can work on a variety of job types including stationary jobs, intersections, mobile utility jobs, road construction jobs, among others.[1][6] AFADs are intended to allow a single worker to control the job site off the road and out of direct traffic flow.[7][1][8] However, it is important to note that AFADs are not a replacement for traditional traffic control flaggers. Due to widespread regulations against fully automated traffic control, AFADs must be used in conjunction with human flaggers to ensure safe and effective traffic management[1][6]. Improvements in AFAD technology has led to increased popularity in recent years. [9]
History of AFADs
AFADs were first introduced in the early 1990s as a response to concerns about the safety of flaggers in roadwork zones.[10] The initial models of AFADs were unreliable and prone to malfunctions, and were considered too bulky and difficult to maneuver, requiring multiple people and creating safety hazards on job sites. This led to criticism from some within the traffic control industry.[2] However, the technology has improved over the years, and newer models are designed to be lighter, safer, and more efficient.[9][3][1]
AFAD Design
AFADs are These remotely operated temporary traffic control equipment is usually comprised of high visibility signage, 12 inch red signal heads, automated flags, and a remote control.[2] [11] Due to there usage on daily, short-term lane closure job sites, AFADs have to portable.[12]While, traditional AFADs are equipped with high visibility signage, 12-inch red signal heads, an automated gate arm, and a remote control,[13] newer AFAD technologies, also come equipped with 360 degree cameras and a tablet interface.[2][14].
Safety Considerations
In 2020, work zone fatalities hit a 16-year high in the United States, with an estimated 102,000 work zone crashes resulting in over 45,000 injuries and 857 fatalities, representing a 45% increase in work zone fatalities between 2013 and 2020.[15] Economic costs of work zone crashes have been estimated at over $17.5 billion annually. [16] These statistics make safety in the traffic control industry of paramount importance.[15][1] The AFAD has revolutionized traffic control safety by allowing the traffic control person to work outside of the direct flow of traffic.[1][3][7] This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to both workers and drivers. [1]AFAD's high-visibility signage and a red signal head is visible from a distance, ensuring that drivers are aware of the work zone and can slow down accordingly.[3] The automated gate arm also provides an additional safety feature by stopping traffic in one direction while allowing traffic in the other direction to proceed.[1][6]
Studies have shown that the use of AFADs can significantly improve work zone safety.[4] A study by the Minnesota Department of Transportation found that AFADs may enhance safety over the human flagger based on a reduced vehicle approach speed, farther full stop location, and lower intervention rate.[3] The same study found the public had a favourable impression of the AFAD and generally preferred it over the human flagger.[3]
The Innovation of AFAD Technology
In recent years newer, more innovative version of AFADs have come to market, called SmartFlagger AFADs. These AFADs are designed to be even lighter, safer, and more efficient.[2][17] SmartFlagger AFADs are lightweight and portable. Some of these AFADs Google Maps and Waze integration and offer patented live video recording. Additionally, it comes equipped with data and monitoring software to provide daily reports on car counts, average wait times, and live video from each job site.[18]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Guidance On The Use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). July 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d e "AFADs: What is an Automated Flagging Assistance Device - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-07-13. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ a b c d e f Brown, Henry (February 2018). "Evaluation of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). p. 71.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Why Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD) are Here to Stay | TranBC". Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "AFADs: What is an Automated Flagging Assistance Device - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-07-13. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ a b c "FHWA - MUTCD - 2003 Edition Revision 1 AFAD Technical Provisions Revised 1/27/2005". mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ a b "Optimizing Performance Mobility & Safety—Making Work Zones Work Better: Automated Flagger Assistance Devices - FHWA Office of Operations". ops.fhwa.dot.gov. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Virginia Work Area Protection Manual" (PDF). www.vdot.virginia.gov. 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "More automated flagger assistance devices coming to B.C. highways - Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal". www.ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com. 2023-03-15. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ Pratt, Stephanie (April 2001). "Building Safer Highway Work Zones" (PDF). National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). Federal Highway Administration, US Department Transportation. Fall 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Government of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development. "Government of Ontario, Canada". www.ontariocanada.com. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ "Comment & responses Automated Flagger Assistance Device" (PDF). Ontario Government. December, 2021.
{{cite web}}:|archive-url=requires|archive-date=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ a b "Work Zone Crashes, Injuries, & Fatalities - Facts & Data | Work Zone Barriers Guide". www.workzonebarriers.com. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ Saha, Promothes (2020-08-31). "An Optimization Methodology to Improve Work Zone Safety within a Limited Budget in a Roadway Network". International Conference on Transportation and Development 2020. Seattle, Washington (Conference Cancelled): American Society of Civil Engineers: 204–211. doi:10.1061/9780784483145.018. ISBN 978-0-7844-8314-5.
- ^ "Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ "Integration - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2023-03-23.