Sep 2017 22

Construction Season Tips and Tricks

Just because it’s fall now doesn’t mean that construction season is over. It’s everywhere from Washington Avenue to Scotia to I-90, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be over soon. So, the question is, how can you drive safely in a construction zone and still get where you need to go? That’s what this blog is here for – though reading it is no substitute for actually driving safely when you’re behind the wheel. Remember these tips though and you’ll be all set for any construction zone you encounter. Check it out!

1. Make sure your headlights are on! This is how other cars, workers, and anyone else will see you if you’re coming down the road.

2. No matter if it’s night or day, you should have these guys on.

3. Watch for speed limit signs and obey them. The speed limit can change several times, and if you get caught speeding through a work zone, you can face doubled fines.

4. Have patience, not only with yourself but with other drivers and the workers on the road. You need to get to where you’re going, but it’s better to be safe than perfectly on time.

5. Pay attention to the road. Don’t be distracted by things on the road or in your car, like music or your passengers. Make sure that all of your attention is on the road and the signs throughout the construction zone, as well as any traffic pattern changes or sudden stops in front of you.

6. Watch the other cars on the road with you. Other drivers can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything to happen!

7. Don’t tailgate other cars. This is common courtesy anyway, but when other drivers are unsure they’ll brake and accelerate without warning. Staying back is staying safe!

8. Only change lanes when it’s safe to do so. Read above re: the unpredictability of other drivers on the road.

9. If you see a worker with a flag, follow their instructions.

10. Merge when and where you should. Waiting until the last minute puts you at risk of a collision, which is never a good thing for anyone.

11. Expect everything, because anything could happen.

We hope these tips serve you well when it comes to work zones. Don’t worry, construction season will hopefully be over soon, and then we’ll enter pothole season and another set of worries entirely! Just kidding… or are we?