As spring approaches, construction along the highways increases. Road work results in slower drive times as well as plenty of headaches for drivers, but this is nothing when compared to the increase in accidents as a result of work zones. Fortunately, there are some very important tips to follow in order to reduce your risk of having an accident while traveling through a construction area.
Slow Down
Always slow down as you approach a construction zone. Use the posted speed limits as your guide. Travel at or below this speed. Weather and traffic conditions affect traffic flow so there are many times when you will find that you do have to drive even slower than the posted number. Intelligent work zones have the recommended speed posted on equipment from providers like Street Smart Rental.
In addition, many drivers misunderstand the need to drive slower in construction zones. They assume that the reduced speed is only for keeping workers safe. This thinking causes many people to speed up during times when there are no actual construction workers in the area, but most fatalities in work zones involved the drivers and their passengers rather than the workers.
Keep Your Distance
While driving through a work zone you need to allow plenty of space between you and the person in front of you. You also need to keep plenty of room between yourself and construction equipment, trucks, traffic barriers, and workers. Do not use the median as a passing lane. This puts everyone in danger, and it can result in a huge fine.
Put the Cell Phone Away
It may seem like the perfect time to pull out your phone as you are creeping along, but you should always avoid cell phone usage and any other type of distraction when driving through a work zone. Texting and driving is dangerous no matter where you are. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says that drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds when texting. It doesn’t sound that bad, but it is enough time to travel the length of a football field at a speed of 55 mph.
Simply stated, slow down and keep your eyes on the road when you find yourself travelling through a construction zone. Dangers increase in these areas. Let’s keep everyone safe this year.
