In the past 5 years, approximately 4,400 people have been killed in work zone crashes, (85% of which were the driver or passenger). Most of these deaths could have been prevented with safe work zone driving. However, we are all in a hurry to be somewhere and often disregard the safety signals and regulations put in place. Use the following tips to drive safely in a work zone.

Check out my tips for driving safely in a work zone!

• In active work zones, always yield the right-of-way to construction vehicles and workers.

• Obey all posted signage.

• The city or project manager will often have flaggers who are directing traffic through a work zone. Be sure to obey flaggers who signal you to stop or slow down. You could potentially get a ticket if you don’t, and more importantly, you or someone else could get hurt.

• Unfortunately, rear-end collisions occur frequently in a work zone. Not only should you reduce your speed, but also double your following distance (normal following distance should be 3 seconds; in an active work zone, it should be 6).

• Notice the reduced speed limits and drive at or below the posted speed for the work zone.

• One of the most important tips for driving safely in a work zone (and just driving in general) is to pay attention and stay alert. This means avoid distracted driving at all costs – no cell phones, makeup, eating, radio, etc. (For some ways to avoid distracted driving, have a look at my blog, Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving).

• Be patient when driving through a work zone. Remember that the crew members are working to not just improve infrastructure, and trying to do it in a way that keeps you and them safe while also improving the area.

Worth It

While it may be hard to remain patient and obey different laws, it is worth it to avoid tragedy and improve road conditions! For more tips and insight on safe driving and injury prevention, follow my page on Facebook!