TMAA (Traffic Management Association of Australia) is taking a stand for road worker safety by calling on leading mobile navigation apps—Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze—to enhance their work zone alerts with improved audio warnings. As part of this initiative, TMAA has also launched a national petition urging stronger safety measures to better protect traffic controllers and road workers.
This campaign follows troubling findings from the 2024 National Traffic Controller Safety Survey, which highlighted the growing dangers faced by road workers. According to the survey, 49% of traffic controllers reported near-misses with distracted drivers, while 44% identified speeding vehicles as a major hazard. The most vulnerable times for workers are during site setup and pack-down, which often coincide with low visibility and driver fatigue—factors that significantly increase the risk of accidents.
To address these concerns, TMAA is pushing for a more direct and action-oriented audio message in navigation apps: “Slow down for road workers.” This message, already in use in safety campaigns across Australia, the UK, and the US, serves as a crucial reminder to drivers to reduce speed and remain alert in work zones.
“Audio-based interventions have been proven to reduce speeding,” says TMAA CEO Matthew Bereni. “Studies show that auditory warnings significantly improve driver awareness and reaction times, particularly in high- risk transition zones. A simple change in these apps’ messaging could save lives.”
TMAA has formally reached out to Apple (owner of Apple Maps) and Google (owner of Google Maps and Waze), inviting discussions on implementing these vital changes. The Association remains committed to working with industry leaders, government agencies, and technology providers to ensure safer roads for both workers and motorists.
By signing the petition and supporting this initiative, industry professionals and the public can contribute to a safer work environment for traffic controllers. To learn more or get involved, visit TMAA’s website.
CREDIT: Direct reproduction of Article from March 2025 Edition of Detours Magazine – Page 27.