Work zones are a common sight on the nation’s roadways at this time of year. While beneficial in the long run, road construction presents a different and sometimes challenging environment for drivers—even professional ones—to navigate. Here are some tips to keep in mind when driving through work zones:
Stay alert and focused. Situations can change rapidly in work zones. Keep your eyes moving, and watch for detours, changing traffic patterns, and other vehicles that slow, stop or switch lanes suddenly. Use extra caution in conditions of low visibility, congestion or inclement weather. Pay close attention to the movements of road crew personnel, and be prepared to stop. Remember that work zones extend from the first roadside marker to the “End Road Work” sign. Just because you don’t see workers immediately after you see a warning sign doesn’t mean they’re not there.
Obey the signs. Read and follow warning and directional signs; they are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Also, be sure to comply with the instructions of road crew flaggers, who are often used to stop and direct traffic.
Slow down. Stay at or below the posted work zone speed limit, adjusting your speed to match conditions. Don’t resume normal speed until you see signs indicating a higher speed limit. Keep in mind that a construction zone speed limit applies regardless of the presence of workers, and speeding in work zones can result in larger than normal fines.
Merge gently. Signal your intentions and move into the correct lane as soon as signs direct you to do so. If you’re already in the open travel lane, be considerate and allow other drivers to merge in early. If traffic merges into fewer lanes once you’re in the zone, use caution and courtesy to reduce the chance of a sideswipe. Be alert to motorists racing to get ahead of you in merge areas.
Allow plenty of room. Rear-end crashes are extremely common in work zones. Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Take advantage of your vehicle’s height to help anticipate braking situations. Leave adequate room between your vehicle and traffic barriers, construction equipment and crews.
Watch road conditions. The pavement may be narrow, rough, uneven or drop off, and travel lanes may shift or curve in unexpected patterns. Slow down to help maintain control. If there is a motorcyclist or bicyclist nearby, exercise extreme caution as pavement surface elevation changes often pose a hazard to riders.
Know before you go. Get an update on traffic and construction issues before you travel. Expect delays and allow extra time to reach your destination. Use alternate routes if available. Remember that line painting, pothole repair and landscaping can create delays as well, so plan accordingly.
Keep your cool. Delays from road construction can be frustrating, but they’re also temporary. Stay calm, be patient, and don’t allow the actions of other motorists influence the way you drive.
As a driver of a large vehicle, you’re at a greater risk of having a serious accident in a work zone. It’s up to you to SLOW DOWN, STAY ALERT and KEEP SPACE AROUND YOUR VEHICLE to get through construction zones safely and professionally.
