Road crews and work zone workers

Plain guides for protecting road crews and guiding drivers safely through work zones

Road crews work just a few feet from moving traffic. This page brings together our guides on the gear and equipment that protect workers, the signs and devices that guide drivers through a work zone, and what every driver should do when passing road work.

Use the On this page menu to jump to a topic. If someone is hurt, call 911.

Protect your crew

High visibility clothing, lights, intrusion alarms and protective trucks give workers more warning and more protection when a driver strays into the work area.

Start hereHigh visibility work apparel and lighted equipment: how roadside crews get seenWhat the rules require, how to read labels and when to replace worn gearRead the guideWork zone intrusion alarms: how they warn road crews and what they cannot doHow sensors and alarms buy crews seconds to move, and why barriers still come firstRead the guideTruck mounted attenuators: how a cushion on a work truck protects road crews and driversWhat a TMA does, what paperwork to ask for and how to drive near oneRead the guideTemporary barriers and crash cushions: tested protection for road crews and hazardsHow they shield workers, what MASH testing means and what to ask before roadworkRead the guideWork lights, flagger paddles and radios: how night road crews stay visible and in stepHow to light flagger stations, control glare, signal clearly and keep radio contactRead the guide

Guide drivers through the work zone

Cones, drums, signs, arrow boards and temporary signals tell drivers where to go. These guides explain how each device works and how to set it up right.

Start hereTraffic cones and channelizing drums: how they guide drivers and what they cannot doThe rules, taper lengths and checks that keep work zone cones and drums workingRead the guidePortable work zone signs and sign stands: what they do and how to use them wellChoose, place, check and remove road work signs so drivers get warned in timeRead the guideArrow boards and portable message signs in work zones: proper use and how to respondLearn what each pattern and message means, how crews place them and how to reactRead the guideTemporary traffic signals and flagger assistance devices: controlling one lane road workSee who approves portable signals, how crews set them up and what drivers should doRead the guideBarricades and pedestrian channelizers: how to close an area and keep an accessible routeClose a sidewalk safely with detectable edging and a detour every walker can useRead the guide

For drivers passing road work

Slow down, stay alert and move over when you can. These guides explain what drivers must do near road crews, plow trucks and emergency vehicles.

Start hereWork zone and move over safety: protect road crews, responders and youHow to drive through work zones, read flaggers and move over for crews and respondersRead the guideMove over laws by state: who's protected and what you must doWhich stopped vehicles are protected, when to move over or slow down and what penalties applyRead the guideSnowplows, salt and anti icing: how crews treat winter roads and how to drive near plowsHow salt, brine and sand work, when crews use each and how to give plows roomRead the guide

More to read

Want to read more? See our guides for employers and fleets, or for first responders and tow operators who also work beside traffic.

Employers and fleetsFirst responders and tow operators

These guides offer general education, not engineering, legal or training advice. Follow the MUTCD, your state’s work zone rules and your agency’s procedures.

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