IT PAYS TO BE SAFE
No. 8, February, 2010
Driving in Construction Zones
As winter draws to a close and warmer weather approaches, seasonal construction and maintenance of interstates is beginning. Construction zones cannot only cause potential delays in transportation, but also leads to increased traffic congestion and the potentiality for accidents. Operating a commercial motor vehicle in a construction zone in a safe manner is of extreme importance in avoiding these accidents.
49 CFR §392.2 indicates that every commercial motor vehicle must be operated in accordance with the laws, ordinances and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated. Important local laws concerning operation of a vehicle in a construction zone, such as maximum speed and lane usage, are communicated to commercial drivers through the proper placement of signage. In addition to those visible warnings, commercial drivers should also keep in mind that speeding traffic is the number one cause of injury and death in roadway work zones. The driver should observe the posted speed limits at all times when approaching and driving in a work zone, and should take care and caution to watch your speedometer so that you don't allow your speed to creep up as you drive through long sections of road construction. These areas also tend to be highly monitored by law enforcement, so watching your speed can save your pocketbook also.
If adverse weather or road conditions are apparent, you should decrease your speed even more. This will also allow you a better opportunity to maintain appropriate spacing to the front, side and rear of your vehicle.
Even more importantly, the presence of road workers indicates that you should closely watch your speed as the workers' presence can indicate that in the immediate vicinity, narrower lanes, sharp turns or uneven surfaces can be expected. Unfortunately, the presence of road workers can cause other drivers to be distracted, resulting in unsafe driving. In order to avoid these hazards, a driver should drive slowly and carefully in work zones and, when necessary, utilize their four-way flashers or brake lights to warn drivers to the rear to maintain proper spacing.
Driving in a construction zone requires a great amount of care and attention to one's surroundings. Following these simple rules will help you travel through a construction zone without incident and arrive at your destination safely.
