Summer driving is often enjoyable. Being able to roll your windows down and enjoy the fresh air is relaxing. Unfortunately, the summer also brings construction, which can quickly put a damper on the enjoyment of driving. While it is understandable that construction zones can lead to frustration, you must maintain focus through these areas to ensure both your safety and that of the workers. Therefore, when you have to deal with the orange barrage of construction cones, be sure to keep the following five tips in mind.
1. Merge Early
Don’t be that person. You know the one. They don’t want to get stuck in the back of the line, so they wait to merge until the last possible second, driving all the way down until the wall of cones stops them. The best thing to do in a construction zone is to merge early and be patient. Trying to jump the line can cause frustration and even accidents, so don’t do it.
2. Increase Follow Distance
While nearly every driver is bumper-to-bumper, it is better to increase your following distance through construction zones. These areas a prone to sudden starts and stops, and if you are following too closely, you increase the odds of getting into a fender bender. Therefore, adjust your distance so that there is at least two to three car lengths between you and the car ahead.
3. Don’t Get Distracted
While it’s easy to do in heavy traffic conditions, getting distracted is dangerous. Therefore, as tempting as it is to look at your phone or blast some music, it is better to keep the radio off and your ringer silent. Construction zones are highly unpredictable areas, and even a few distracted seconds can result in a collision or other type of accident.
4. Pay Attention to Flaggers
While driving through construction zones, you will probably notice that the instructions on the traffic signs do not match the instructions on the temporary construction signs or flaggers. Always pay attention to the flaggers. Construction signs supersede traffic signs throughout the construction zone. Therefore, do not look to traffic signs for speed limits and other information. Always look to and obey flaggers.
5. Watch for Workers
Construction zones are full of workers. However, these individuals are not always visible because of the machinery and type of work they are performing. Therefore, do not let the appearance of no workers give you the confidence to disobey flaggers or other signage. Doing so could risk the safety and life of the construction workers.
Construction zones are a nightmare for summer driving, and despite your best efforts, you might get in an accident. If so, contact an auto accident lawyer in Trenton, NJ for help.
Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into personal injury claims and tips for driving in a construction zone.