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The Case for Uniformed Police Officers in Traffic Control: Reducing Liability and Enhancing Safety for Employees and Community



When it comes to traffic control, many companies prefer to opt for flaggers in order to manage the flow of vehicles around construction sites, events, and other areas with potential traffic disruptions. While this may seem like a cost-effective solution, the reality is that using Uniformed Police Officers for traffic control can significantly reduce liability and enhance safety.


The Risks of Using Flaggers

Flaggers play a crucial role in directing traffic around construction zones and other areas requiring temporary traffic control. However, there are inherent risks associated with relying solely on flaggers, especially for heavily used roads:


  1. Increased Accident Rates: According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were over 1,200 work zone collisions in 2022, many of which involved flaggers. These accidents often result from driver confusion or non-compliance with flagger instructions.

  2. Higher Injury and Fatality Rates: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that flaggers are at a higher risk of injury or death compared to other traffic control personnel. In 2022, Washington state saw 15 flagger-related injuries and 2 fatalities, underscoring the dangerous nature of their work.

  3. Liability Concerns: When accidents occur, companies utilizing flaggers may face significant liability, legal battles, increased insurance premiums, and reputational damage are common consequences.


The Advantages of Uniformed Police Officers

In contrast to the challenges stated above, employing Uniformed Police Officers for traffic control offers several advantages that can mitigate these risks:

  1. Enhanced Authority and Compliance: Uniformed Police Officers command greater respect and compliance from drivers. A study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found that drivers are more likely to obey traffic control instructions when given by a Uniformed Officer compared to a flagger.

  2. Improved Safety: Police Officers are trained in traffic management and emergency response, making them better equipped to handle complex traffic situations. This training reduces the likelihood of accidents and improves overall safety for both drivers and workers.

  3. Reduced Liability: Utilizing Police Officers can significantly lower a company's liability. The presence of law enforcement ensures road safety compliance, organized traffic control procedures, and immediate response should anything unforeseen occur.


Statistical Evidence from Washington State

To illustrate the impact of using uniformed police officers, let's look at some specific data from Washington state:

  • Accident Reduction: In 2022, projects in Washington that employed Uniformed Police Officers saw a 35% reduction in traffic-related incidents compared to those using flaggers, according to WSDOT.

  • Compliance Rates: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reported that compliance rates with traffic control measures increased by 42% when managed by police officers.

  • Liability Cases: Legal records from 2021-2023 show that companies using flaggers faced 28% more liability claims than those using police officers for traffic control.


Investing in uniformed police officers for traffic control is not just a matter of compliance and safety; it's a strategic decision that can significantly reduce liability and enhance the efficiency of projects. The statistical data and real-world examples from Washington state provide compelling evidence that companies can benefit immensely from this approach. By prioritizing safety and leveraging the authority of law enforcement, companies can ensure smoother operations and a safer environment for everyone involved.


For more detailed information and to discuss how Uniformed Police Officers can benefit your specific projects, please contact our team HERE. Let's work together to create safer, more efficient traffic control solutions for your upcoming project or event.

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