Every year around 300 traffic accidents with personal injuries occur in connection with road works, according to figures from M Sweden.
It is becoming increasingly common for motorists to ignore flag guards and red lights during roadworks, which increases the risk of accidents.
The Swedish Transport Administration is now tired of the disrespect, reports Swedens radio.
So many people die during road works
During the period from 2003 to 2021, according to M Sweden, there were 5,667 traffic accidents with personal injuries during Swedish road works.
A total of 74 people died in connection with these accidents, and every fourth occupational accident in Sweden in the ten years until 2023 was road traffic-related.
Read more: How fast can a motorhome drive? Here is the answer
A lack of respect
According to John Löfgrenproject manager at the Trafikverket in Sundsvall, it is mainly about the fact that many motorists do not respect the red lights that are displayed in connection with road works.
This puts it in the planning and can also lead to accidents.
Read more: Italian police Lamborghini stopped by Swedish police
Can make it difficult for blue light
John Löfgren tells, for example, about a motorist who tried to push his way into the queue during road work on Alnöbron in Sundsvall.
The motorist ran a red light, and was then forced to turn into the cordoned off work area.
Should someone be injured in such a scenario, there is also a great risk that blue lights cannot reach the scene, according to John Löfgren.
Read more: The penalty tax on mobile homes: Here is the government’s new proposal
The flag guards have it the worst
According to John Löfgren, the situation is worst for the flag guards, who many people completely ignore.
They also receive a lot of irritation from motorists delayed by the roadworks.
– Unfortunately, it is often younger girls and boys who have summer jobs and who have to take all the crap when they stand there. It is very disrespectful and has escalated in recent years, says John Löfgren to SR.
Read more: Dangerous fault in popular electric cars: Brakes can stop working