Summer is here, and that means a lot of people are going to be traveling. You might have travel plans yourself.
The problem with the summer, though, is that it is often the best time for construction teams to repair the roads. That means that your normal routes may be blocked, or you could be trying to navigate around cones and cement dividers that just aren’t normally there.
There is an increased risk of a serious crash in construction zones, so keep in mind these tips to help you stay safer.
- Slow down as much as you need to.
The construction zone probably has a speed limit listed. It’s normally around 55 mph, but it may be lower. If you see this, slow down. Even if you don’t notice workers, there could be road changes that are hard to navigate if you’re moving too quickly.
- Watch out for workers entering and exiting the area.
The next thing you have to do is to watch for workers who may be entering or exiting the area. Look for slow-moving machinery or moving parts that could obstruct your vision or the roadway.
Never assume that workers aren’t present just because you haven’t noticed them. Keep going at the slower pace, and be prepared to stop if you need to.
- Merge as soon as you can.
Merge as soon as you can if you are asked to do so. In many cases, other people will try to push to the front of the line thinking that they’re getting somewhere faster than others, but they’re not. Instead, they’re just slowing down traffic.
Merge whenever you’re able to do so, and you’ll be in a better position to continue driving in line safely.
Construction zones are dangerous, but you can help reduce the risk of crashes
It’s true that construction zones can be dangerous, but with the right driving skills, you can keep yourself and others safer. Slow down, watch for workers and merge as soon as you can to reduce the likelihood of getting hurt or causing a serious collision in the work area.
