What action should be taken to ensure traffic safety as night falls in a work zone?

To ensure traffic safety in a work zone as night falls, enhancing lighting and implementing reflective materials is crucial. Adequate lighting improves visibility for both workers and drivers, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Work zones already pose inherent risks, and darkness can exacerbate these dangers by decreasing the visibility of hazards. Proper lighting allows vehicles to see road signs, traffic control devices, and the work area clearly, ensuring that drivers can navigate safely.

Reflective materials, such as cones, barriers, and vests worn by workers, further increase visibility in low-light conditions. This combination helps to alert drivers to slow down and approach with caution, ultimately protecting both the roadway workers and the traveling public.

Other measures, while potentially beneficial in different contexts, do not address the immediate issue of decreased visibility at night. For instance, more aggressive fines may deter speeding but do not directly improve safety in a darkened work zone. Reducing working hours could minimize exposure but does not eliminate the safety risks present during evening hours. Closing the work zone entirely may not always be practical and can lead to traffic congestion, which can also create hazards.