Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones

Work zones are considered to be high-risk areas for drivers and construction workers alike. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), 891 people were killed and another 37,701 people were injured in work zone crashes in 2022. Extreme caution and attention must be exercised by construction workers and drivers in order to reduce the incidence of these accidents. In this article, we will explore some helpful safety tips that drivers can adopt to help avoid catastrophic accidents.

Slow Down

The first and most crucial rule when driving through any construction site or work zone is to reduce your speed. Oftentimes, work zones will be marked with reduced speed limits to prepare drivers for unexpected situations and obstacles that may arise from these work zones. Obeying these posted speed limits is vital in ensuring your safety. Failure to do so not only increases the chances of an accident occurring but will also likely result in heavier fines and penalties. Thus, maintain the flow of traffic and avoid slowing down excessively just to take a peek at what is happening on the work site.

Stay Alert

Given the often unpredictable nature of work zones, you must stay hyper-vigilant and alert at all times on the road. You never know when lanes may suddenly merge or workers may step into your path. Therefore, avoid engaging in any distracting behaviors, such as going on your phone, eating, or even changing the controls of your vehicle’s air or radio. Although it may be easy to become distracted as you are sitting in traffic caused by these work zones, it is important to remember that even a split-second of inattention can result in a serious accident.

Watch Out for Workers

Workers working on construction sites are often performing their jobs in close proximity to oncoming traffic. Although workers are encouraged to wear bright, reflective clothing and vests, it can still be easy to miss them, particularly at night. In some cases, workers may have to step into traffic lanes unexpectedly, which can be very dangerous if drivers are not paying attention. Therefore, be prepared to stop or slow down for passing workers to ensure their safety. Failure to do so may result in serious legal repercussions. If you are a worker who has been hit by a vehicle in a work zone, be sure to contact a workplace injury attorney to learn about your legal options and how you can recover compensation for your injuries.

Anticipate Lane Shifts

A final safety tip for driving safely in work zones is to anticipate lane shifts, as this is one of the most common road changes that will happen in work zones. It is not uncommon for traffic to be rerouted and diverted temporarily to allow construction vehicles to pass or for workers to adequately perform their jobs. Therefore, it is important that you are ready for these road changes and be proactive about them. If possible, do not wait until the last minute to change lanes as doing so will increase the risk of an accident and disrupt the flow of traffic.