May 22, 2019
Will you be hitting the road this summer? Regardless if you’ll be going across the country or up the road, chances are you’ll see some orange warning signs telling you there’s a work zone ahead. Work zones are inevitable during the summer months, and although it might be frustrating because the backup traffic, they are important. It is even more important to SLOW DOWN when you are driving through them. No, not because you’ll get a pretty hefty fine (even though that is a good reason to slow down), but because there are people working right there on the side of the road. Slowing down helps to avoid any potentially dangerous accidents. Just think about it, if you are going 50 plus miles an hour and you hit someone, or something hits you, it’s not going to be good. Slowing down is extremely important, even if it slows down your trip. So we ask that you take a few minutes to check out our tips for driving in work zones below!
- Increase your following distance:
- You should have three car lengths in front of you when entering a construction zone. I know you might think this is extensive but give yourself more room leaves space in case of an accident like a worker stepping out too far or even something falling in the road!
- Don’t assume workers are present:
- A lot of the time you’ll see signs that tell you to reduce your speed because you are approaching a work zone, but once you get there it looks like nobody is working…so most people accelerate to normal speed. Regardless if you don’t see the worker or not, obey the speed limit. Workers could be working farther up, and even if they’re not working a cop could still be monitoring the area just waiting for someone to break the law!
- Follow instructions from flaggers:
- Always obey instructions from flaggers, and assume that their instructions overrule any other traffic signs or signals. Their directions might not align with normal traffic patterns, so be prepared. Also, be on the lookout for flaggers’ signals, such as an extended palm indicating that you need to stop. Be sure to also reduce your speed and be especially aware of your surroundings when driving near a work zone with flaggers posted.
- Minimize your distractions:
- Distraction-free driving is always important, but especially during work zones! When you are approaching a work zone, slow down, turn down any loud music, and stay focused on your surroundings. The more attentive you are the less likely you will be to have an accident!
- Merge promptly at land closure;
- One of the most common causes of accidents and road rage in construction zones is that of lane closures. When you see a sign posted for an upcoming lane closure, be sure to merge as soon as safely possible. Do not wait until the lane is coming to an end to force your way over into the next lane over. This is not only rude to the other drivers who followed the posted signs and merged but it could cause a road rage incident.
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