No matter where you drive this summer, you’ll probably encounter road construction. Bridge and road work zones can be very dangerous, especially at night or when there’s traffic congestion. According to the Federal Highway Administration (1), in an average year, work zone accidents in the U.S. result in approximately 40,000 injuries and 900 deaths. Regrettably, many of those crashes are preventable because they’re caused by careless or impatient drivers. But navigating more safely through road construction sites is possible by using these tips.
Work Zone Accident Facts
Every year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (www.fhwa.dot.gov) compiles data on work zone-related traffic accidents. Based on their findings, here are some sobering facts that you should know before hitting the road:
- Fatal work zone crashes occur more frequently in the summer and fall.
- Most fatal work zone crashes take place on roadways with speed limits in excess of 50 mph.
- Drivers are the ones most oftentimes killed in work zone-related crashes.
- Most work zone injuries and deaths occur to working-age adult drivers.
- Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash, and most of those occur when drivers are tailgating or pull suddenly in front of another vehicle.
- Many accidents are caused by drivers who disregard posted warning signs and speed limits, and/or because they’re impaired or distracted.
Anyone who drives knows how frustrating and stressful road construction zones can be, especially when heading home after work. But the key to arriving at your destination unscathed is to separate those negative feelings from your driving habits.
Driving Safer in Work Zones
When operating a vehicle in road construction zones, careless actions not only endanger yourself but also the workers and drivers around you. With that in mind, use these safe driving tips:
- Slow down. Over a third of fatal work zone accidents involve speeding, so stay safer by paying attention to posted speed limits.
- Obey road crew flaggers and roadside signs. Flaggers and road signs are there for a reason. Traffic will flow more smoothly and safely when you obey them.
- Merge into the proper lane. Pay attention to designated traffic patterns and merge into the proper lane well in advance of the zone itself. And, never attempt to pass stopped traffic on the shoulder or squeeze in at the last possible moment.
- Maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end work zone collisions are common, including fatal ones. To avoid them, always maintain a safe following distance between you and other vehicles, including construction trucks. A good rule-of-thumb is one car length for every 10 mph.
- Keep your head “on a swivel”. When entering a road construction site, always stay alert for the unexpected. Traffic could come to a halt without warning, or workers and equipment pop out from nowhere. Be aware and be prepared.
- Stay off your phone. When at a standstill, some drivers immediately reach for their cellphones to text or check messages. Don’t, as being distracted for one second could cost someone their life, including you.
- Keep up with traffic flow. Avoid slowing down to watch workers, as that could result in your vehicle getting rear-ended. Also, don’t tailgate because the driver in front of you may have to suddenly apply their brakes.
- Plan-ahead. Check-in advance to see if there are any scheduled road repairs along your intended route, and choose an alternative route whenever possible. If that’s not feasible, allow yourself plenty of extra time.
- Practice patience. While roadwork can be frustrating, always remember that the crews are out there to improve the roadways and make your future commutes as safe and smooth as possible!
Promptly Find Reliable Work Zone Collision Repairs Here
No matter how careful you are while driving through road construction sites, accidents happen. When your ride gets damaged, promptly locate a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop featured in the nationwide Carwise referral network. All shops found on Carwise have the I-CAR and ASE-certified technicians, services and equipment to restore your vehicle like new again promptly and reliably.
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References:
- Report from the Federal Highway Administration: Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility; https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/fhwasa03012/
