Four Tips for Staying Safe in a Construction Zone

Construction Zone Safety Tips

You’re driving down the road and you suddenly see a long line of orange cones. Traffic is merging, construction workers are waving orange flags and you realize you’ve found yourself in a construction zone. What should you do? Is there a certain protocol for driving in a construction zone and staying safe while doing so? The following are four tips to keep you safe.

1. Practice Patience

Chances are you’re going to be in stop-and-go traffic while you’re in a construction zone. It’s best to practice patience during this time. Nothing about construction is convenient until the project is completed, so keep in mind every other driver is in the same boat as you. They’re trying to get somewhere, they’re frustrated by the setback and they want to stay safe as well. Take a deep breath and just drive when you are able.

2. Slow Down

Most construction zones will have a temporary speed limit posted. In many cases, fines double for speeding on these stretches of road, so it’s important you slow down. Not only for that reason, but for the fact the safety of the construction workers is at hand. Don’t hug the back of the car in front of you and don’t speed up until you are out of the zone and certain it’s safe to do so.

3. Expect Abnormal Conditions

On a regular day, you may not see people walking down the freeway, but during road construction you might. On your typical commute, you may not have to stop for a crane to swing a post across the road, but during road construction you might. Expect that there will be some abnormal conditions when a crew is working on the road. If you already know construction is taking place, plan your schedule accordingly.

4. Pay Attention

Sometimes there will be signs posted, other times there will be flaggers standing by. In either case, pay attention to what is going on around you. You wouldn’t want to hit someone, run over a cone or find yourself on the wrong side of the tape and in a dangerous situation. Pay attention to the other drivers as well. Some drivers will rubberneck, so it’s important you’ve at least got your eyes on the road.

Contacting a Lawyer

If you are involved in a car accident during road construction, you may need the assistance of an attorney. Whether the accident caused a lot of injuries, a lot of damage or seemingly nothing at all, you’ll probably want a legal professional to take a look at the facts. Contact your car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT today to learn more.

Thanks to Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into personal injury claims and tips for driving in a construction zone.