Construction Zone Tips To Travel Safely - Arnold Asphalt

Preparation, attention and obedience to signs and signals are the keys to driving safely in construction zones. Travelling through work zones can be frustrating, but planning, patience and awareness can ease the strain and make these spaces safer for you and the workers and motorists around you.

Slow Down

Each year speeding is found to be the most common cause of traffic accidents. Nearly half of all roadway fatalities result from workers being struck by moving vehicles. Our number one safety recommendation is to SLOW DOWN! Highway work zones will have reduced speed limits posted and higher fines for speeding to encourage drivers to drive through with caution. Driving conservatively through a work zone means you will still get to your destination while avoiding the increased risk of a crash and injuring yourself or one of our workers.

Be Alert

Orange work signs are placed prior to any work zone. The orange signs and barrels are placed far enough in advance to give motorists plenty of time to slow down, focus, and be alert before entering the work zone. Work zone signage and spacing is dictated by the MUTCD (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices). On county and city projects there may be a flagger on site directing traffic. Stop when directed and pay attention to what lane they direct you to travel through. Drive slowly as there will be workers and equipment in the roadway as you move through these work zones.

Drive Defensively

This is true any time you are driving but it is particularly important to be aware when entering a work zone. It is best to “expect the unexpected” as other vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly. Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Let other drivers merge safely. Lastly, be aware of other drivers who look distracted (such as with cell phones).

Expect Delays

Whether your drive is delayed due to slower speeds or stopped traffic, we understand that travelling through a work zone can be stressful and frustrating. With that being said, our workers have their own families to go home to once their shift is done. Keep work zone safety and the safety of workers top of mind and DO NOT speed through a work zone or disregard traffic instructions under any circumstances.

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