Protecting Road Workers and Recovery Operators
As a motorist, you play a vital role in keeping road workers and breakdown/recovery operators safe. Always slow down near roadworks, obey temporary speed limits, and move over if you see people working at the roadside. Stay alert, avoid distractions, and never drive into a closed lane marked with a red “X.” At Motor Bridge, we remind drivers that these workers risk their lives to keep our roads safe and moving, giving them space and respect helps everyone get home safely.
Your Role in Keeping Our Roads — and the People Who Maintain Them — Safe
Every day, thousands of road workers, engineers, and vehicle recovery operators are out on the UK’s roads helping to keep the network running — repairing infrastructure, assisting broken-down vehicles, and responding to incidents. These workers operate in fast-moving, high-risk environments, often with little more than a high-vis jacket and traffic cones between them and live traffic.
At Motor Bridge, we believe every driver has a duty to help keep them safe.
The Hidden Danger: Working on Live Roads
Despite safety procedures, road workers and recovery operators face significant dangers from passing vehicles. Many incidents happen simply because drivers fail to slow down, change lanes, or pay full attention when approaching a roadside work area or breakdown scene.
Did You Know?
Between 2017 and 2021, more than 100 people working on or near live carriageways — including road workers, engineers, and breakdown operatives — were seriously injured or killed as a result of being struck by a vehicle.
(Source: National Highways Safety Reports)
These incidents are often preventable — and your actions as a motorist make a critical difference.
What You Can Do: Steps for Drivers
Here’s how you can protect road workers and recovery operators while travelling on UK roads:
1. Stay Alert
Look out for signs, flashing lights, cones, and high-visibility clothing. Reduce distractions like mobile phones, loud music, or in-car devices.
2. Slow Down
If you see a breakdown or maintenance zone ahead — even if it’s on the hard shoulder — reduce your speed. Passing at high speed can cause dangerous wind turbulence and increase the risk of an accident.
3. Move Over Safely
Where possible and safe, move into another lane to give more space to those working at the roadside. There is a “Slow Down Down or Move Over UK” group where you can find out more information about their campaign.
4. Respect Red X and Temporary Speed Limits
On smart motorways, a Red X indicates that a lane is closed. Ignoring it puts workers — and yourself — at serious risk and can result in prosecution and fines.
5. Follow Instructions
Obey any temporary traffic signals or instructions from traffic officers or contractors on-site. They are there to keep everyone safe.
Who Are These Workers?
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National Highways Traffic Officers
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Maintenance and Construction Crews
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Private Breakdown Recovery Operators (AA, RAC, Green Flag, etc.)
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Incident Response Teams
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Utility and Surveying Crews
They may work during the day or night, often in low-visibility and high-risk conditions.
Final Thought
Behind every high-vis jacket is a person — someone’s family member, friend, or colleague — just doing their job. A few extra seconds of patience and awareness from you could save a life.
Be the Driver Who Makes a Difference
At Motor Bridge, we support initiatives that prioritise the safety of everyone on the road — including those who work tirelessly to maintain and support our transport network. Drive with care, show respect, and help ensure everyone gets home safely.
Disclaimer:
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information we provide, it is intended for general guidance only. We make every effort to keep our content current and correct, but we cannot guarantee that all information is free from errors or omissions. Therefore, we accept no responsibility for any loss, damage, or inconvenience caused as a result of reliance on material found on this platform. Always consult official sources or professional advice where appropriate.
