A new technology launching next month will provide real-time alerts to drivers when road workers are present, aiming to reduce injuries and fatalities in construction zones.
OnStation, a provider of digital stationing solutions for the highway industry, announced the launch of Active Worksite, a feature that integrates with navigation apps to notify drivers of upcoming work zones. The system, available in March, sends anonymized location data from road workers using the OnStation app to iCone, which then relays the information to traffic safety data feeds and navigation apps such as Waze.
“It’s time for a behavior change,” said Nate Till of Brooks Construction, an OnStation customer. “The injury and fatality data for roadway construction is daunting. If we can get the average driver to understand there are hard-working men and women ahead in the roadway, it humanizes the problem and gets people to change their behavior.”
Highway construction remains one of the most dangerous job sectors in North America. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of all worker fatalities at road construction sites in 2022 involved pedestrians being struck by vehicles. In 2023, the construction industry had the highest number of fatal work injuries in the private sector.
Unlike traditional Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) measures, which rely on pre-planned construction timelines, Active Worksite™ adapts dynamically to worker presence. Once enabled by an OnStation app user within 130 feet of a project site, drivers receive alerts similar to speed zone or hazard notifications. The feature can also be used for unscheduled maintenance work, such as roadkill removal or emergency repairs.
Active Worksite will be offered as an add-on to OnStation licenses for a flat fee. Brooks Construction has already purchased the product and expects it to help improve driver awareness and worker safety.
