AWP Safety’s New AFAD Offering Elevates Worksite Protection
North Canton, Ohio – AWP Safety (AWP), North America’s leader in traffic control solutions, is advancing worksite safety through technology with the addition of new Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) to its comprehensive portfolio. The company is currently rolling out new AFAD units that improve worksite safety, efficiency and overall operating costs for customers. Optimizations include:
- Greater visibility for motorists due to oversized units and light heads.
- Reduced chance of head-on collisions thanks to a fail-safe breakaway gate arm.
- Faster and more efficient deployment of self-trailered AFADs that are easier for AWP Safety crews to haul and set up.
- Reliable power source with 33A motorcycle batteries featuring solar charging technology.
- Durable units that stand up to all types of work terrain and weather.
The new AFADs also integrate Google/Waze technology to divert some traffic around worksites entirely. Using smart, wireless functionality, the units communicate with Google Maps and Waze to mark worksites as active for navigation apps that apply caution alerts and detour suggestions that help motorists make safe decisions.
By bringing the latest technology to work zones, AWP Safety continues to raise the bar for safety, efficiency and cost savings. AFADs are officially approved for use by Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in all 50 states and are proven to be more effective than human flaggers alone.
Missouri DOT research shows 80% of motorists prefer AFADs over human flaggers.* And in Quebec, Canada, AFADs helped eliminate worker fatalities due to vehicle collisions after AFAD use was mandated in 2020 for worksites with speed limits of 45 mph (70 kph) and up.**
“We know firsthand the stress and risk traffic control customer crews face every day in the field,” said Michelle Marsh, senior vice president of AWP Safety’s Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program. “Our newest AFADs reflect exactly what contractors have been asking for—less risk, less hassle and safer roads for everyone. This innovation is another big step forward in protecting infrastructure workers and the communities they serve.”
AFADs are a game-changer for safety and efficiency. By automating flagging, AWP Safety keeps human flaggers out of harm’s way and helps contractors complete work on or ahead schedule. AWP Safety Protectors can control multiple AFADs remotely, allowing them to cover more worksites with fewer team members while positioning themselves closer to customer crews for better communication and coordination.
As a partner in protection to some of the nation’s largest utilities and energy providers, AWP Safety is leading the charge in modernizing traffic control and invites all work zone managers to discover smarter strategies that reduce risk from project planning to completion. Utility, broadband and road construction companies can request a free demonstration to see firsthand how AFADs improve safety and streamline operations by visiting awpsafety.com, or calling 1-800-343-2650.
*Missouri DOT; “Evaluation of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices”; 2018.
**Ver-Mac, “How Automated Flagging Assistant Devices (AFADs) Help Keep Flagger Safe”, 2023
About AWP Safety
AWP Safety, North America’s most trusted worksite safety partner, is dedicated to protecting the people who build and maintain utility, broadband and transportation infrastructure. The company is revolutionizing the traffic control industry with technology-driven, customer-focused operations and comprehensive solutions like flagging, Smart Work Zones, transportation management plan design and engineering, equipment sales and rentals, and 24/7 support. Founded in 1981 and operating in 33 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces, AWP Safety secures 1 million work sites annually. The company was named one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 for Diversity by Newsweek.”
