Shaman Traffic Control: healer of construction zones.

• Author: Zerbe, Victoria
• Position: Company Profile

When you think of road construction zones, you might think of road delays, dusty clouds, and growing irritations. You likely don't think about how work crews are risking their lives to ensure you get through the work zone without mishap.

But for Shaman Traffic Control, getting the work done without injury is of high priority.

"We always have to work with one eye over our shoulders," said Hans Hanson, owner and sole proprietor of Shaman Traffic Control. "It is a challenge working with the general public."

"A lot of drivers are impatient," explains Hanson, "so we try our best to do traffic control that is simple, yet effective, so that we are not going to confuse anybody."

In 1996, 719 out of 41,907 highway deaths were in work zones, according to the American Traffic Safety Services Association. Another 37,000 individuals suffered disabling injuries in work-zone crashes.

The national average for work zone fatalities is 1.7 percent. Alaska's averages fluctuated from 1.15 percent in 1995 to 2.5 percent in 1996, according to the association. The most common crash in a highway work zone is a rear-end collision.

The number of fatalities rise when states see an increase in road funding, when construction is completed during the night when visibility is lower, and when there is a growth in the number of elderly drivers with slowing reflexes. Alaska recently received increased highway funding, is known for its late-evening and early-morning roadwork, and is seeing a growth in the number of elderly.

Nationwide, highway construction zones are considered so dangerous that most states have enacted legislation to protect crews and motorists. Alaska joined the movement last June when Gov. Tony Knowles signed into law a measure that doubled...