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Top Ten Safety Tips for Highway Construction Work

Highway collisions are one of the top causes of on-the-job fatalities in America, according to MSN. In 2008, there were a total of 720 highway construction zone fatalities throughout the nation. For the safety of all construction workers, follow these safety tips anytime you are driving through a highway construction work zone.

  1. Reduce Your Speed

    • Construction zones decrease speed limits for the safety of highway workers and to give you the time to react to changing road conditions. Speeding tickets for highway construction work zones are usually double the fines because of the risk speeding poses to the health and safety of highway workers. It may be necessary for highway construction workers to stop traffic. Be prepared to brake or stop at any point while you are in a highway construction zone.

    Leave Distance Between the Vehicle in Front of You

    • Reducing your speed allows you the time to react if the person in front of you slams on the brakes. Leave at least two car distances between you and the vehicle in front of you.

    Follow Posted Speed Limits

    • Speed limits may change several times throughout a highway construction work zone. Pay attention to the changes and reduce your speed as required.

    Keep your Eyes Open

    • In a construction zone, various objects can inadvertently enter the driving path. Keep your eyes open for these objects as well as for other motorists who may have to swerve to avoid an object in the road.

    Do Not Use Your Cell Phone

    • Cell phones cause distraction and that is the last thing you need while traveling through a highway construction zone. Stay off your cell phone and avoid other distractions, such as dealing with unruly children, changing the radio station or applying makeup. Any distraction which could divert you from the road is a dangerous one.

    Stay Calm

    • It is normal to get nervous when the highway lanes shrink and large semi-trucks come barreling towards you with only orange cones to separate your lanes. Slow down a little if necessary and stay calm. Keep your eyes on the road and take a few deep breaths. There is usually no place for you to pull over without endangering other drivers, so keep driving through the construction zone.

    Look for Flaggers

    • At the beginning of construction zones, flag workers are posted to catch the attention of drivers. A flag worker will usually be holding a sign that asks you to slow down or stop. Watch for flag workers every time you enter a construction zone.

    Merge in a Timely Manner

    • Going too slow or stopping during a lane merge can cause traffic accidents. Keep moving and merge smoothly with the flow of traffic.

    Watch for Road Signs

    • Dips, bumps and sharp turns are labeled with road signs throughout the construction zone. Pay attention to these signs to prevent damage to your vehicle.

    Leave Early

    • Give yourself enough time to get through construction without being in a hurry. Expect delays with every construction zone and be prepared to be patient while working your way through them.

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