With the rising temperatures has come a rise in people out to make our roads drivable again.
Road construction workers have a tough job. Not only are they out in the hot sun, there are hundreds of drivers passing by them, posing another element of danger to an already risky job.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to help drivers and road workers stay safe during construction season.
Pay attention to construction signs
There are so many things to pay attention to as you pass through a construction site. There are the bright orange barrels, the flashing lights, the workers and sign after sign with warnings and directions. In the multitude of signs, it’s easy to lose track of what the current directions are and when in doubt, don’t be afraid to slow down so that you can pay more attention to what is going on.
Accommodate drivers trying to merge
When one lane ends, it’s often because someone is working close to where the closure began. As inconvenient as it is to let someone in, it can help keep everyone safe. The person merging is often trying to pay attention to when the lane closes and when they can squeeze between motorists while making sure they don’t run into any workers or equipment. You can do your part by leaving enough room so that other cars can merge safely.
Stay focused
This isn’t just about putting your phone down while you drive. Driving through a construction site is also not a good time to change the radio or eat a sandwich. When you are approaching a construction zone, put down anything that might be distracting. If the radio is going to be a distraction, turn it off. This is also a good time to ask passengers to be quiet so you can focus. And, of course, going through a construction site is a terrible time to try to be on your phone.
Maintain a safe distance
When traffic is backed up, it’s tempting to stay close to the person in front of you. Even when traffic is traveling slowly, try to maintain some distance between you and the next car.
Often, especially in a construction zone, cars round you can stop quickly and without much warning. Leaving plenty of space ensures that you will have plenty of time to stop before meeting the bumper of the car in front of you.