Good Practice Work Zone Management - Outreach to Truckers (North Carolina)

Commercial truck drivers in North Carolina are not likely to be surprised when they come across a highway construction zone. That's because the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) works to provide timely and accurate work zone information to commercial drivers and the trucking industry. Over the past few years, NCDOT has implemented work zone information efforts focused on trucks to help reduce the number of commercial vehicle crashes occurring on their roads.

Ensuring that truck drivers receive accurate and timely information about work zones is important for several reasons: safety, mobility, and reliability. Because of its size and weight, a work zone incident involving a truck can be more dangerous than with other vehicles. Providing truck drivers with information about an approaching work zone alerts them to the extra need to pay attention and be prepared to slow down or change lanes, and can minimize overall congestion. Furthermore, truck drivers often must meet tight delivery schedules, facing the risk of spoiled goods or dissatisfied customers if they do not make deliveries on time. Information about an approaching work zone and alternate routes may help commercial drivers better plan their routes.

NCDOT has been successful in getting information to the trucking industry by focusing its efforts on distribution channels that truckers use on a regular basis. These distribution channels include trucking industry and association print and online publications; truck/rest stops and CB, satellite, and commercial radio.

For specific projects, NCDOT provides construction information to drivers through its statewide public information program for construction projects, known as IMPACT (Information Management Public Affairs, Construction and Traffic Control). NCDOT distributes project information to truckers though the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) and the American Automobile Association. Generally this information is distributed via flyers that detail general project information, detour routes, wide load detours, and road closings. NCDOT has also distributed project fliers at truck stops, rest areas and welcome centers across North Carolina.

Through its Work Zone Safety Program (WZSP), NCDOT works to provide the trucking industry with general education and information about driving safety through work zones. These efforts include: Attending trade shows, developing public service announcements, developing educational videos, and forming industry focus groups.