Staying safe while driving through work zones

When driving through road construction, it’s important to drive safely to protect yourself and those around you. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 700 fatalities happen every year in work zones. However, you can easily stay safe while driving in work zones if you follow some important tips.

Don’t be a distracted driver

Giving your full attention to the road can mean the difference between life and death. Always try to plan your route ahead of time so that you will be fully aware of any work zones or detours you will be driving through. This way you will be prepared for any obstacles to come.

There is no way for your brain to give its full attention to more than one activity at a time, so avoid distractions like eating or being on your cell phone while driving.  When you give your full attention to your driving, everyone will be safer.

Watch your speed

Changes to driving lanes, traffic patterns, and speeds in work zones are common. This makes it important to slow your speed down and to be fully aware of your surroundings and any workers that might be on the road around you. If you come upon workers, give them extra room by shifting to a lane farther away from them. You should even be prepared to stop.

Give yourself space

Keeping a wider distance between your car and the vehicles around you is important while driving through work zones. Rear-end accidents are very common and can be easily avoided by maintaining a safe distance away from the vehicles in front of you. If you ever see lane closures ahead, move into an open lane as soon as you can.

Driving through road construction can be scary for both the driver and the workers so being aware of your surroundings is extremely important. Stay alert on the road for any work zones you may be entering and follow these tips to keep yourself and those around you safe.

Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/work-zones-safety-tips