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Automated Flagger Assistance Device

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An Automated Flagger Assistance Device, The Guardian SmartFlagger.

Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) is 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][2] 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][5] The Guardian SmartFlagger specifically, has been designed to work on 99% of jobsites with its compact design, 60 hour battery life, and 80 hours of recording. AFADs are intended to allow a single worker to control the job site off the road and out of direct traffic flow.[6][1][7] 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][5] Improvements in AFAD technology has led to increased popularity in recent years.[8]

History

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AFADs were first introduced in the early 1990s as a response to concerns about the safety of flaggers in roadwork zones.[9] 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 smaller, lighter, safer, and more efficient.[8][3][1]

Design

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The components of an Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD)

AFADs usually consist of high visibility signage, 12 inch red signal heads, automated flags, and a remote control.[2][10] Due to their usage on daily, short-term lane closure job sites, AFADs have to be compact and portable.[11][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

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Standard AFAD setup—Two-lane, two-way road

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][6] This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to both workers and drivers.[1] An AFAD's high-visibility signage and 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][5] Some AFADs, such as the Guardian SmartFlagger, are integrated with Google and Waze to drive traffic away from the worksite while the detachable Gate Arm in equipped with a 115dB intrusion alarm to ensure all workers are aware of a worksite intrusion.

A 2018 study at the University of Missouri-Columbia concluded that the use of AFADs could significantly improve work zone safety.[4] A study by the Minnesota Department of Transportation concluded that AFADs may enhance safety over the human flagger based on a reduced vehicle approach speed, farther full stop location, and lower intrusion rate.[3] The same study concluded that the public had a favorable impression of the AFAD and generally preferred it over the human flagger.[3]

Development

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Modern AFADs allow operators to use a tablet to monitor and control traffic.[4][17] Some AFADs, such as the Guardian SmartFlagger by Site 20/20, are integrated with Google/Waze technology, which allows drivers to access real-time traffic data and plan dynamic diversion routes. By analyzing traffic patterns, AFADs can intelligently redirect a portion of traffic, reducing congestion and enhancing safety within the construction zone.[17][18] AFADs like the Guardian SmartFlagger can help increase the safety of construction workers, reduce labor costs, increase operational efficiency and driver compliance, while working with an independent network and connecting to Waze and Google.

References

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  1. ^ 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. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 April 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Brown, Henry (February 2018). "Evaluation of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). p. 71. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Why Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD) are Here to Stay | TranBC". Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  5. ^ a b c "FHWA - MUTCD - 2003 Edition Revision 1 AFAD Technical Provisions Revised 1/27/2005". Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  6. ^ a b "Optimizing Performance Mobility & Safety—Making Work Zones Work Better: Automated Flagger Assistance Devices - FHWA Office of Operations". Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  7. ^ "Virginia Work Area Protection Manual" (PDF). www.vdot.virginia.gov. 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ Pratt, Stephanie (April 2001). "Building Safer Highway Work Zones" (PDF). National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). Federal Highway Administration, US Department Transportation. Fall 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  11. ^ Government of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development. "Government of Ontario, Canada". www.ontariocanada.com. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  12. ^ GuangAn, Traffic. "AFAD 2 working modes | www.ledtrafficpro.com".
  13. ^ "Comment & responses Automated Flagger Assistance Device" (PDF). Ontario Government. 10 December 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 December 2022.
  14. ^ "Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  15. ^ a b "Work Zone Crashes, Injuries, & Fatalities - Facts & Data | Work Zone Barriers Guide". www.workzonebarriers.com. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  16. ^ 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. pp. 204–211. doi:10.1061/9780784483145.018. ISBN 978-0-7844-8314-5. S2CID 225342323.
  17. ^ a b https://www.yahoo.com/now/awp-safety-20-20-creating-124600818.html
  18. ^ "More automated flagger assistance devices coming to B.C. Highways". 15 March 2023.
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