TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFELY THROUGH HIGHWAY WORK ZONES
- Expect the unexpected in any work zone, normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road.
- Slow down! Be alert! Heed the signs! Diamond-shaped orange warning signs are generally posted in advance of road construction projects.
- Obey the flagger’s directions. In a work zone, a flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying their directions.
- Stay calm. Maintaining calmness will make the time traveling through the work zone seem shorter and less frustrating.
- Merge as soon as possible. You may see flashing arrow panels or “Lane Closed Ahead” signs. Don’t wait until your lane is closed to try to merge. If everyone cooperates, traffic moves more efficiently. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at first notice of an approaching work zone. Lane blocking is illegal, and violators are cited for it.
- Slow down when the signs say to. A vehicle traveling at 60 m.p.h. travels 88 feet per second. If you are going 60 m.p.h. and you pass a sign that says “Road Work 1500 Feet,” you will be in that zone in 17 seconds. Remember to always watch for slowed or stopped traffic that may be backed up before these areas.
- Leave extra following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The most common crash in a work zone is the rear-end collision.
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, construction equipment, vehicles and workers.
- Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you have left the work zone. Some work zones – like painting, road patching, and mowing – are mobile, moving down the road as the work is finished.
- Expect delays, plan ahead and try an alternate route. Plan for the delays and leave early to reach your destination on time.
- Always watch the traffic conditions one mile down the road, so you can be better prepared for slowed or stopped traffic you are approaching.
Please share the road safely and professionally. You are the difference.
