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Dos and Don'ts while driving in work zones:
- DO expect the unexpected. In any
work zone along any road, major or minor, normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic
lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road.
- DON'T use your cell phone or tune your
radio while driving through a work zone.
- DO slow down, be alert, and pay attention
to the signs in work zones. Diamond-shaped orange warning signs are generally posted
in advance of road construction projects. It's also worth remembering that traffic
fines are higher in work zones.
- DON'T disobey a flagger's
directions. In addition to other warning signs, a "flagger ahead" warning
sign may be posted in the work zone. When you see this, stay alert and be prepared
to obey the flagger's directions. In a work zone, a flagger has the same authority
as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
- DO calm down. Work zones aren't
there to personally inconvenience you. They're necessary to improve the roads for
everyone.
- DON'T zoom right up to a lane closure and
try to barge in. Merge as soon as possible when you see flashing arrow panels or
"lane closed ahead" signs. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and
posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at first notice of an approaching work
zone. If everyone cooperates, traffic moves more efficiently.
- DO slow down when the signs say to.
A car traveling at 60 MPH travels 88 feet per second. If you're going 60 MPH and you
pass a sign that says "Road Work 1500 feet," you'll be in that work zone in 17
seconds.
- DON'T tailgate. The most common
crash in a highway work zone is the rear-end collision, so remember to leave at least two
seconds of braking distance between you and the car in front of you. The amount of
space required to provide two seconds of stopping time will increase the faster you're
driving.
- DO keep a safe distance between your
vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment, and workers. Just like
you, highway workers want to return home safely after each day's work.
- DON'T assume that work is completed if you
see no workers immediately upon entering a posted work zone. Some work zones -- like
line painting, road patching, and mowing -- are mobile, moving down the road as the work
in an area is finished. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says
you've left the work zone.
- DO try an alternate route if one is
available. This reduces congestion in work zones and helps you to avoid delays.
If no alternate route is available, expect delays and leave early to arrive at your
destination on time.
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