Why are safety barriers important in highway construction zones?

Safety barriers play a crucial role in highway construction zones primarily because they protect workers and the public from accidents and errant vehicles. In construction environments, the risk of vehicles unintentionally veering into work areas is significant, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Barriers serve as a physical separation between moving traffic and construction activities, ensuring that both workers and pedestrians are shielded from hazardous situations. By containing traffic within designated lanes and preventing access to dangerous areas, safety barriers help create a more secure environment for everyone involved.

While other aspects, such as visibility and traffic management, are important, the primary purpose of safety barriers is to provide that essential layer of protection.