Work zones are vital to maintain and improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure. But while essential, work zones can also be hazards to drivers, construction workers, law enforcement, and pedestrians.
According to data collected by the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were an estimated 96,000 work zone crashes in the United States in 2022. Of that number, an estimated 37,000 resulted in injuries, and 891 were fatalities.
When driving through work zones, it’s important to stay focused and to ensure the maximum safety for construction crews and other drivers. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) promotes the slogan that “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” To make drivers more vigilant in work zones to improve safety, the FHWA has several tips to keep in mind:
Plan ahead
Check your travel route ahead of time to see if there are any traffic delays or active work zones. If so, you may want to seek an alternative route or give yourself extra travel time.
Avoid distractions
It’s not only vital to stay alert in a work zone, but drivers must also avoid distractions behind the wheel. This means avoiding talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and adjusting the radio or navigation system.
Pay attention to signs
Be sure to pay attention to all signs, cones, barrels, and flaggers, which are there to provide guidance in helping you safely maneuver work zones.
Reduce speed
Follow the posted work zone speed limits, be aware of stopped or slow traffic, and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you to avoid collisions with vehicles, construction trucks, and workers.
Be prepared for sudden stops
While traveling through a work zone, be prepared for traffic queues and sudden stops to avoid rear-end collisions.
Be aware of workers and police
Remember that the work area is close to travel lanes, so be aware of construction workers and slow down. Police are also on detail so do not get close to them or their cruisers.
Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists
In addition to construction workers, be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists who might be traveling through the work zone.
Give large vehicles space
Watch out for large construction vehicles entering and exiting the work area. These vehicles, which will be driving at slower speeds, have a harder time maneuvering and responding to sudden lane changes, so it’s important to allow them extra space.
Remember, all 50 states have “Move Over Laws,” which require motorists to slow down and change into a lane not immediately adjacent to an emergency vehicle or roadside worker. Failure to move over could result in a fine.
We hope these tips will help you drive a little safer the next time you drive through a construction zone. Don’t forget to also make sure you have the correct coverage on your auto insurance in Massachusetts with MAPFRE. Make sure to talk to an independent agent in your state or get a fast, free quote today to see how much you could save!
