Construction zones are dangerous. Roads are dangerous. When the two are put together, the risks amplify. What can you do if you have to drive through a construction zone? The following are some tips and tricks for staying safe.
Practice Patience
Everyone driving through a construction zone feels just as impatient as you do. If you begin to exhibit tendencies of impatience, road rage could ensue, which causes a host of other issues. If you know you are going to be driving through a construction zone, start practicing patience before you get there. Taking deep breaths, listening to calming music on the radio and realizing everyone around you is in the same situation could help you put it into perspective.
Slow Down
Construction zones require slower speeds for a reason. If everyone drove as fast as they normally did, it would put the lives of the construction workers at risk, as well as those of the drivers. Pay attention to the speed limit signs. The regular signs will typically be covered up with new, slower speed limits, so be sure you know what the limit is.
Expect to Be Stopped
You won’t always stop while you’re in a construction zone, but many times there will be workers with flags on the road telling you to stop for a while. Depending on the size of the job, you could be stopped for a significant amount of time, so make sure you leave the house early enough to be on time to wherever you’re going.
Avoid Changing Lanes
You can’t always avoid changing lanes in the middle of a construction zone, but if you absolutely don’t have to move over, you may just want to stay put. If you do have to change lanes, either because the construction project has you merging, or because you need to catch an exit, be smart about it. Turn your blinker on for at least three seconds before you move over. Take seven seconds to get into the next lane. Keep your blinker on until your entire car is in the next lane.
Getting in Touch with an Attorney
Whether you were injured while driving in a construction zone, were cited while driving through a construction zone, or feel your accident was unlawfully caused by a construction zone, you deserve to have a lawyer by your side. Get in touch with a lawyer, like a car accident lawyer from Hickey & Turim, for more information.