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Roadworkers' Safety Report Phase Two

Attitudes towards roadworkers

The majority (87%) of higher risk drivers agreed that roadworkers play a valuable role.

Younger drivers were less likely to feel that the roadworkers' role is very valuable compared to those aged 35 and over (37% of those aged 16-24, 51% of those aged 35-59 and 63% of those aged 60+).

Only a small percentage of drivers reported feeling stressed, angry or annoyed when they see roadworks on major roads. The majority stated that they feel accepting (56%) or indifferent (20%), demonstrating their recognition that they are necessary. However 16% did report feeling frustrated, which could lead to dangerous driving behaviour. In addition, younger drivers were more likely to state that they would feel angry or annoyed, although the percentage is still small (7%).

Attitudes towards roadworkers' safety

The majority of higher risk drivers were worried about roadworkers’ safety, always (37%) or sometimes (48%).

Younger drivers were less likely to be always concerned (26%) about roadworkers’ safety and more likely to say that they are rarely concerned (23%).

Over three quarters of higher risk drivers (76%) had not read a copy of the Highways Agency’s Driving Safely at Roadworks Guidelines. Our qualitative research indicates that this is likely to be because they are unaware of its existence.

The majority of higher risk drivers reported always driving more carefully when they see roadworks (81%); however fewer did so when seeing signs for roadworks (61%).

Younger drivers and high frequency drivers (those who use motorways or trunk roads more than once a week) were more likely to say that they only sometimes drive more carefully when they see roadworks. Similarly, younger and high frequency drivers were more likely to say that they only sometimes drive more carefully when they see signs for roadworks.

Higher risk drivers told us that when they see roadworks they slow down (72%), take extra care (71%), are more vigilant (61%) and keep to the speed limit (52%).

Female drivers were more likely to say that they take extra care when they see roadworks (77%) compared to male drivers (67%).

Slightly fewer higher risk drivers said that when they see signs for roadworks (rather than actually seeing the works) they slow down (52%), take extra care (66%), and are more vigilant (62%).

Older drivers (60+) were more likely to say that they slow down (53%), drive steadily (60%), ensure they stick to the speed limit (56%), and pay greater attention (66%) than other drivers.

These results show that although the majority of higher risk drivers report driving more carefully when they see signs for roadworks, the impact of actually seeing the works is greater.