In many parts of the country road construction season is beginning. It is a good time to review work zone safety with your drivers, even if they have experience and training. Work zones present challenges that drivers of all experience levels must be concerned about as we move through this active road construction season.
Driving defensively when in construction zones is an important method of reducing the risks of an accident. The importance of defensive driving is magnified when traveling through a work zone. There may be narrow lanes, sharp turns, poor visibility, unclear lane markings, changing traffic patterns, or uneven surfaces.
In addition, other drivers may be confused or unsure where they should be in work zones, causing them to drive erratically. Workers and construction vehicles may also be working on or near the road, creating unexpected hazards. Drivers should always approach a work zone in the same way they would approach an adverse weather condition.
Work Zone Safety Tips to Review with Drivers:
- Pay attention to signs. Orange, diamond-shaped signs are posted to give advance warning of lane
closings, speed reductions, and workers ahead. - Get into the correct lane in advance of lane closures. It is easier and safer to make a lane change well in advance than when arriving at the lane closure.
- Be aware of the vehicle’s blind spots. Vehicles or obstructions may be hidden in a commercial motor vehicle’s blind spot. Drivers shouldn’t change lanes unless necessary and should avoid sudden lane changes.
- Slow down. One of the most cited factors in work zone-related crashes is speed. In a work zone, there’s less time and room to react to a sudden change in driving conditions.
- Avoid distractions. The driver’s undivided attention should be on the road ahead. All distracting
activities should be eliminated. - Watch for and obey road crew flaggers. Drivers must follow road crew flaggers’ instructions. Road
crew flaggers have the same authority as a regulatory sign, and disobeying could result in a citation. - Plan ahead. Drivers need to keep up with the latest road conditions. Most states maintain websites that keep drivers current with the latest road conditions. Drivers should schedule enough time to make the trip or, if possible, take an alternate route.
