Construction on the highway can pose a danger to drivers trying to reach their destinations. The construction itself can impede driving lanes and force drivers to merge, and they can become distracted more easily. When passing construction, it’s important to slow down for the safety of yourself and the workers. Pay close attention to signs, cones, or other indicators of where it’s safe to drive. Be mindful about watching out for workers and construction vehicles. And finally, keep a safe stopping distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Any sort of distraction along the road can be a source of collisions, so it’s important to always take extra precautions when driving near road construction crews.
Construction on the Highway: Safety Tips for Driving Through Construction Zones
Slow Down
When driving past construction on the highway, you’ll definitely want to slow down. Typically, the speed limit reduces near large construction zones, so pay attention to any signs you see indicating that. Driving slower also makes things safer for the construction workers who are in close proximity to the highway’s lanes.
Watch for Cones and Signs
You’ll also want to make sure you follow any posted directions like signs, light up displays, worker hand signals, and cones or other barriers. There are often lane closures with construction on the highway, so you’ll need to pay attention to signs indicating that you need to merge. If there are cones indicating your lane, it can be difficult to navigate while traveling quickly. Slow down so that you ensure you’re driving in the correct part of the road.
Be Mindful of Workers
Of course, construction on the highway is dangerous for the workers involved too. Be extra alert when driving near crews, and put away your cell phone or other distractions. There are often escalated fines for speeding or hitting workers in construction zones. Workers should be wearing neon vests and other high visibility gear, but don’t assume they are. Keep an eye out at all times to ensure you aren’t putting a worker’s life at risk.
Safe Stopping Distance
Finally, try to remember that most accidents that occur next to construction on the highway are rear-end accidents. Often this is because drivers aren’t paying close attention and don’t realize they need to slow down or stop until it’s too late. When approaching or traveling in a construction zone, always keep a long stopping distance between yourself and the car in front of you. This gives you plenty of time to react to sudden movements or stops without running into them.
Driving next to construction on the highway is very common, especially during the warmer months when crews are able to do repair work. But it can pose a hazard to drivers and construction workers. Pay extra close attention when driving in these zones so that you avoid colliding with workers, construction vehicles, or other cars around you on the road. Slow down so that you can follow all posted signage and warnings. Be mindful of cones, hand signals, or other indicators that you need to merge lanes. Put away your cell phone and avoid any distractions so that you can keep a close eye out for workers on the road. And finally, keep a safe stopping distance between yourself and the car in front of you to avoid rear-end collisions. Hopefully, by following these tips, you’ll stay safer in construction zones and prevent hazards to crew members as well.
