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Driving through a work zone can be daunting, especially when facing unfamiliar roads, signs and vehicles. Because of this, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of those around you.
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Whether you’ve been driving a semi-truck for decades or got your commercial driver’s license last week, use these safety tips when driving through a work zone to make sure you and road construction workers get home safely.
10 safety tips to follow when driving through a work zone
1. Expect the unexpected.
Construction zones sometimes present unforeseen and potentially dangerous situations for drivers. Depending on the level of traffic, lanes may unexpectedly close, and vehicles may be redirected in new directions.
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The best way to remain safe in a construction zone is to proceed with caution and always pay close attention to your surroundings. Be prepared to slow down at any moment if you see workers or signage in the area indicating a decreased speed limit.
2. Slow down.
When driving in a construction zone, it is vital to drive at, or below, the posted speed limit. You should be ready to slow down or stop at any moment by keeping your speed in check.
It goes without saying, but stopping is easier when you are traveling at or below the recommended work zone speed limit.
For reference, a truck driving at 60 mph travels 88 feet per second. If you’re going 60 mph and pass a sign that says, “Road Work 1,500 feet,” you’ll be in that work zone in just 17 seconds.
3. Stay alert.
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When driving through a work zone, you should be prepared to deal with more distractions and sudden changes than normal.
On top of the hazards you should always look for, like distracted drivers, you need to be aware of:
- Construction workers.
- Heavy machinery.
- Flaggers.
- Sudden lane changes.
- Reduced speed limits.
- Narrow lanes.
- Uneven roads.
4. Drive defensively.
To stay safe around the extra hazards found in work zones, you should practice defensive driving.
Some defensive driving tips to follow include:
- Scan far and wide for hazards.
- Keep extra distance between workers, barriers and equipment.
- Anticipate other drivers’ actions.
- Signal early when changing lanes.
5. Pay attention to the signs.
Some common signs that truck drivers need to look out for when driving in a work zone include:
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