WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A cutting-edge safety system could revolutionize protection for highway maintenance crews, construction workers, and Road Rangers who assist stranded motorists on I-95 or the Turnpike.
This groundbreaking technology emerged following the tragic loss of a road construction worker in West Palm Beach approximately one year ago.
In December 2023, a fatal incident occurred around 3:40 a.m. when a worker conducting road resurfacing operations was struck near the intersection of North Congress Avenue and Executive Center Drive.
Though that life couldn’t be saved, an innovative safety solution might prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This life-saving warning system represents a significant breakthrough in worker safety.
Known as the Road Defender, the system features a specialized watch that activates an alarm, providing construction workers crucial seconds to escape when vehicles pose an immediate threat.
“The potential applications of this technology are remarkable. We’re looking forward to implementing it,” stated Mark Ligon, Vice-President of Safety & Risk Management at Ranger Construction.
Vixon Louis, a 67-year-old Miami resident employed by Ranger Construction, fell victim to a hit-and-run driver who careened through a construction zone in West Palm Beach in 2023. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
“Additional warning time could have provided him an opportunity to avoid the collision. While we can’t be certain of the outcome, it would have at least given him a chance,” Ligon reflected.
This incident drove Ligon to seek solutions to prevent similar accidents.
“Our technology could help avert such incidents through advanced long-range sensors that monitor incoming traffic patterns and provide workers with early warnings of potential dangers,” explained Jason Lee, CEO and Founder of SmartCone Technologies.
The system’s core component, essentially its central processing unit, is mounted on the road workers’ repaving equipment.
This unit integrates a long-range digital camera, radar technology, and artificial intelligence capabilities to monitor approaching vehicles near the construction zone.
“The system’s range extends up to a mile. The integrated computer processes radar data to detect incoming traffic speeds, while the AI camera analyzes vehicle behavior patterns. If concerning behavior is detected, it triggers a warning light and transmits alerts to the workers’ watches,” Lee elaborated.
Workers are trained to quickly move to a designated safety point marked by an orange “muster cone,” equipped with floodlights and strategically positioned for rapid access.
The system aims to provide workers with a minimum five-second warning before potential vehicle impacts.
“Our primary objective is to enhance situational awareness, enabling faster and better decision-making in critical moments,” Lee emphasized.
SmartCone Technologies’ founder Jason Lee emphasizes that this innovative system could provide crucial protection for Road Rangers operating on I-95 or the Turnpike, particularly relevant given the recent incidents in South Florida.
Lee further suggests that this technology might have prevented the tragic loss of three Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle deputies who lost their lives on Southern Blvd. in November 2024.
“Our goal is not just to reduce incidents and save lives, but also to enhance worker confidence and awareness during their street operations, ensuring they feel more secure and self-assured while performing their duties,” Lee elaborated.
West Palm Beach has become the pioneering location in the United States to implement this safety technology for road worker protection. Following initial implementation and evaluation, Ranger Construction is considering expanding their investment in additional units.
