How Can Drivers Stay Safe in Construction Work Zones?
September 25, 2020
A driver must be cautious while driving through a construction work zone. Work zone areas are often congested because construction impedes traffic flow. While transportation departments do their best to reroute in ways that cause the least amount of disruption, work zones remain challenging to drivers.
Car accidents in work zones endanger road workers as well as drivers and their passengers. It is important that all drivers try to prevent these accidents. All motorists must practice safe driving in order to reduce injuries and fatalities in road work zones.
Motorists Need to Slow Down in Work Zones
Most of these crashes occur on roads where the posted speed limit is 50 mph or more. Work zones often result in narrower lanes with reduced visibility for drivers. Sometimes, there are flaggers directing traffic. These are all reasons to drive slower than the normal speed limits.
The most common type of accident in a construction zone is a rear-end accident. One of the most important precautions to take when driving through a work zone is to keep a safe stopping distance from the vehicle in front. Drivers are recommended to follow the three second rule under normal driving conditions. Identify a stationary object and note when the car in front passes it. It should take at least three seconds for a motorist to reach the object in order to have a safe stopping distance. The safe stopping distance for motor vehicles at 50 mph varies with conditions. Under the best conditions, the stopping distance is 300 feet. The stopping distance increases by 100 feet when there are hazardous conditions. In icy conditions, stopping distance can exceed 1,200 feet.
Drivers Must Always be Alert
In a construction zone, the traffic flow is quite different than what people are used to. Drivers should always be alert and try to anticipate possible scenarios. Sudden merges, flaggers, and barriers are all possible in work zones. Knowing these hazards makes a driver more prepared.
How Can I Minimize Distractions?
All distractions are dangerous for drivers. It is even more important in a work zone to pay close attention to road conditions and other drivers. A motorist should avoid looking at a passenger, using a phone, and eating while driving. Stowing away devices before driving is useful.
What Should I Do if a Lane is Closed?
Warning signs to merge ahead are provided to enable continuous traffic flow. It is best to begin to merge ahead of time rather than speed forward to cut into traffic. A driver should take at least 10 seconds to merge. It is important to put on a blinker before changing lanes.
Always Drive Defensively
Defensive driving reduces the likelihood of a car accident. While many driving schools only teach basic traffic rules and how to operate vehicles, there are programs specifically designed to teach defensive driving skills.
If a motorist is involved in a car accident in a work zone, it is important that they speak to a lawyer about their options.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Help Car Accident Victims Injured in Construction Work Zones
If were hurt in a car accident in a work zone, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. can help. We work hard to ensure our clients get the greatest amount of compensation possible. Call us at 215-569-9100 or complete an online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.