The implementation of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) in work zones is becoming increasingly widespread, with various provinces and states making their use mandatory.
AFADs Now Mandatory in Nebraska
Nebraska is the most recent state to implement the use of AFADs in highway construction projects, in an effort to enhance safety in highway work zones.
While the AFAD’s main goal is to keep flaggers away from all vehicles and to control traffic, its benefits stretch even further. Discover more on AFADs, their benefits, how they are used, useful resources and more.
What are the benefits of using an AFAD?
Safer for Workers
Automated flaggers allow workers to manage their equipment with a remote-control from the side of the road. It is no longer necessary to stand in front of cars coming at high speeds.
Save Costs
In applications where two flaggers are needed, the AFAD can replace one of the two flaggers. One worker can operate two AFADs, cutting operational costs.
Dependable & Reliable
They’re always ready to work. AFADs perform no matter the weather, time of day, or circumstances.
Optimal Responsiveness
Trailer-mounted and hitch-mounted models can be combined to quickly expand or reduce short-term/mobile work zones.
What Makes Ver-Mac AFADs the Best in the Industry?
With worker safety and optimal project management in mind, we’ve developed a trailer-mounted AFAD and a hitch-mounted AFAD to offer the best performance and ROI possible.
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More Details on AFADs
If you are new to AFADs, the following section covers their components, use, and applications in greater detail.
What is an Assistant Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD)?
An AFAD is a portable, remote-controlled gate used to manage traffic in roadway work zones. It lets drivers know when to stop with a red light and lowered gate. AFADs were first developed in the 1990s to help increase the safety of flaggers, who have one of the most dangerous jobs on the work site.
When to use an AFAD
Combined towing: the Flagger-Mac Lite and the Flagger-Mac being towed together
Safely off the road, a worker manages an AFAD with a remote control
Flagger-Mac Lite signaling vehicles to stop
A trailer-mounted AFAD guiding traffic through a highway construction project
A hitch-mounted AFAD in action while a team tackles utility work
Flagger-Mac Lite letting vehicles through
AFADs are usually used in temporary road work zones, for short or intermediate road or lane closures. They are not recommended for extended road closures. AFADs are appropriate when there is a single lane of approaching traffic to control.
They can be used in various applications including utility projects, bridge construction and repairs, on secondary roads, and as a part of connected work zones.
How do You Use an AFAD?
AFADs are always operated by a trained flagger. The operator works away from all work zone traffic, positioned to see each end of the work zone. This allows the worker to determine when to open or close each gate depending on traffic flow.
The system is equipped with anti-collision software, ensuring both gates cannot be open at the same time. This is to prevent head-on collisions. When the gate is in the down position, the red 12” lamp will activate, when the gate is in the up position the 12” yellow lamp will activate. The AFAD system does have the flexibility to be controlled by two operators when the work zone length is too far to be safely monitored by one operator.
Here to Stay
With an estimated 96 K work zone crashes in 2022 (source: National Safety Work Zone Clearing House), and distracted driving on the rise, work zone safety measures such as the implementation of AFADs are here to stay. As more states and provinces make their use mandatory, work zone risks are more effectively mitigated. Let's all remember to be attentive and drive safely through and around work zones.
