Now that the sun is shining again and summer is right around the corner, the chances that you’ll be hitting the road are a lot higher. And regardless if you’re traveling near or far, the chances that you end up seeing one of those orange signs that let you know road work is up ahead are pretty high. I know, it can be frustrating because it slows down your travels, but summer is the best time for construction so you’re going to run into it. With that being said, this week we have some safety tips for driving through a work zone. If you’re thinking you might not need them, just think about how many accidents can happen if you’re going too fast through a work zone. With people working right next to your vehicle and other machinery at work, anything could cause you to have to come to a stop or swerve out of the way. If you’re going too fast, injury or worse could happen to the workers or you. So check out our tips below and see how important it is to slow down this summer!

1. Increase your following distance:
   1. You should have three car lengths in front of you when entering a construction zone. I know you might think this is extensive but give yourself more room leaves space in case of an accident like a worker stepping out too far or even something falling in the road!
2. Don’t assume workers are present:
   1. A lot of the time you’ll see signs that tell you to reduce your speed because you are approaching a work zone, but once you get there it looks like nobody is working…so most people accelerate to normal speed. Regardless if you don’t see the worker or not, obey the speed limit. Workers could be working farther up, and even if they’re not working a cop could still be monitoring the area just waiting for someone to break the law! 
3. Follow instructions from flaggers:
   1. Always obey instructions from flaggers, and assume that their instructions overrule any other traffic signs or signals. Their directions might not align with normal traffic patterns, so be prepared. Also, be on the lookout for flaggers’ signals, such as an extended palm indicating that you need to stop. Be sure to also reduce your speed and be especially aware of your surroundings when driving near a work zone with flaggers posted.
4. Minimize your distractions:
   1. Distraction-free driving is always important, but especially during work zones! When you are approaching a work zone, slow down, turn down any loud music, and stay focused on your surroundings. The more attentive you are the less likely you will be to have an accident!
5. Merge promptly at land closure:
   1. One of the most common causes of accidents and road rage in construction zones is that of lane closures. When you see a sign posted for an upcoming lane closure, be sure to merge as soon as safely possible. Do not wait until the lane is coming to an end to force your way over into the next lane. This is not only rude to the other drivers who followed the posted signs and merged but it could cause a road rage incident.