construction zone on the road on a sunny day

During the summer months, many road construction projects begin. You may not think twice about them when driving through one in your car. But on a motorcycle, they can be very dangerous if you’re not prepared. Here are some tips on how to safely navigate work zones on your motorcycle.

While you’re riding, be on the lookout for construction zones. Each zone will have several sections starting with a warning area that will alert you that a work zone will soon begin. While you’re in the warning area, make sure that you are aware of the traffic around you so that you can safely merge. This area will be followed by a transition area where you will need to merge with other traffic. Always reduce your speed and check your mirrors for other drivers. You don’t want to be rear-ended, so be on the lookout for escape routes in case traffic suddenly comes to a stop.

Soon after the transition area comes a buffer zone that helps protect the workers on the road by introducing extra barriers and a staging area for all the construction equipment. Trucks may be entering and leaving the construction site in this area, so keep a good distance between your bike and other traffic around you. Stay alert because the speed of traffic may change erratically. Drivers distracted by the equipment or other things can become especially hazardous in every area of the work zone. If you notice someone driving erratically, speeding or keeping their eyes off the road, try to merge in between two attentive drivers to help protect yourself. After the buffer zone, you are now entering the actual work area.

In the work area, you’ll need to be on the lookout for many things including moving construction equipment, workers and various surface hazards. Surface hazards that will affect your riding in the work zone will include loose gravel and other debris, so be prepared for your bike to handle differently. The pavement might be uneven or grooved as well. Pooling water can hide deep potholes or dangerous debris within, so try to avoid driving through the water whenever possible. Continue to keep an eye on your mirrors and the flow of traffic since things can change very fast in this zone.

After you ride though the main construction zone, you’ll enter the area that signals that the work zone is ending. You’re not out of the clear yet because many drivers may pick up speed and drive erratically to try to make up for lost time. If you’re being tailgated here or at any other point in the work zone, try to change lanes to let the driver pass. Now that you’re out of the work zone safely, you can focus on the rest of your ride. If you’re unsure about riding your motorcycle through construction zones, it’s best to look for another route that avoids them so you can be safe and confident on your ride.

For decades, Hupy and Abraham has been working to keep riders safe by spreading the “Watch for Motorcycles” message. By helping spread motorcycle awareness, Hupy and Abraham hopes to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities on the road.

If you’ve been injured in a crash in a construction zone or anywhere else, contact Hupy and Abraham today. We’ve been helping injured motorcycle riders for decades. Over 70,000 clients have hired Hupy and Abraham, receiving more than $1 billion for their injuries. Call Hupy and Abraham today at 800-800-5678 or visit HUPY.COM so we can start fighting for you.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.