It is no secret that roadways see an increase in construction during the summer months. What many drivers may not know is how to stay safe while driving through these construction zones. Proper education about construction safety may make the difference in being able to avoid an accident or not.
Disregarding standard safety measures in a construction area can quickly become fatal. To prevent catastrophic injuries or wrongful deaths, here are four tips on how to stay safe while driving through road construction:
Stay alert
There is no telling what may happen in a work zone. Construction debris falling onto the road, a worker stepping out from a hidden area, or a distracted driver can threaten your safety in an instant. Do not take for granted that everything is fine while driving through these areas.
Obey traffic signs
The reduced speed limits that are in place in these areas are for your benefit. At slower speeds, you have more time to react to sudden dangers like an unexpected bend on a familiar road or construction equipment falling onto the road.
Give other drivers more time
If you can avoid lane changes in a construction zone, do it. If you cannot prevent them, make sure you are giving those around you the proper time they need to recognize your lane changes. Make sure you use your signals and give at least eight seconds of signal time before executing your turn.
Stay defensive
Sudden braking happens all the time in construction zones. Put enough space between you and other drivers to make sure you have space to come to a stop safely, and to avoid rear-end collisions. Driving defensively will also allow you to react to reckless drivers safely.
Stay safe this summer
When you find yourself approaching a construction zone, remember to take some extra precautions to keep yourself safe and those around you. There is no telling what might happen there, so make sure you are prepared for anything.
