Work zones are a common sight on roads and highways, but they can quickly become dangerous when drivers are distracted, speeding or unprepared for changing traffic conditions. Nearly 900 people are killed, on average, in work zone crashes each year, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Whether you're driving through a major highway construction project or a smaller roadside work area, staying alert can help protect you, other drivers and the workers completing their jobs just feet away from traffic. Keep these safety tips in mind the next time you approach a work zone.
Pay Attention and Avoid Distractions
Work zones require your full attention. Workers may be standing near traffic, construction vehicles may be entering or exiting the roadway and lanes can shift with little notice.
Put your phone away and avoid eating, adjusting your GPS or doing anything else that takes your attention away from the road. Watch carefully for signs, flaggers, construction equipment and changing traffic patterns.
Slow Down
Always follow the posted speed limit when entering and traveling through a work zone. Reduced speed limits are often in place because of narrower lanes, lane closures, workers near traffic or other changing road conditions.
Slowing down gives you more time to react if traffic suddenly stops, a lane ends or another unexpected situation occurs.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Traffic can slow or stop suddenly in construction zones, and following too closely reduces the amount of time you have to react.
Keeping a safe distance is especially important when driving behind large trucks or construction vehicles that may block your view of upcoming traffic or road conditions.
Follow Signs and Flaggers
Construction signs and flaggers are there to safely guide traffic through the work zone. Pay close attention to temporary speed limits, lane closure signs, detours and directions from workers.
Traffic patterns may be different from what you're used to, even on roads you drive every day. Don't rely solely on your GPS — follow the signs and directions you see on the road.
Merge Safely
If you see signs indicating that a lane will be closing, be prepared to merge and watch for vehicles around you. Avoid making sudden lane changes or trying to speed past other drivers.
Depending on the situation and posted instructions, drivers may be directed to merge early or use both lanes until the merge point. Follow posted signs and cooperate with other drivers to help keep traffic moving safely.
Watch for Workers and Equipment
Work zones can have workers, trucks and heavy equipment operating very close to moving traffic. Give them as much space as possible and never drive into areas marked off by cones, barrels or barriers.
Be especially cautious at night or during bad weather when workers and equipment may be more difficult to see.
Expect the Unexpected
Conditions in a work zone can change quickly. A lane that was open yesterday may be closed today, traffic may come to a sudden stop or construction vehicles may need to enter the roadway.
Stay alert, look ahead and be prepared to react. Giving yourself extra time to reach your destination can also help you avoid feeling rushed and making unsafe decisions behind the wheel.
Everyone Plays a Role in Work Zone Safety
Road construction is inconvenient, but the people working in these areas deserve to complete their jobs safely. Drivers can help prevent work zone crashes by slowing down, staying focused, following posted directions and giving workers and other vehicles plenty of space.
If you or a l
oved one has been injured in a crash, Hupy and Abraham is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have been helping injured clients for more than 50 years. Contact Hupy and Abraham today for a free consultation at Hupy.com or call 800-800-5678.
