Tips to Stay Safe When Driving in a Construction Zone

The summer season is the time when construction work on the roads begins countrywide, including Pennsylvania. However, this is also that time of the year when more people are seen on the roads, traveling long distances to the mountains and vacation spots.

Since there are more work zones and heavy traffic, it is extremely important that you drive carefully in order to stay safe. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the total number of traffic-related work zone fatalities that occurred in 2016 was 652, and in 2017, it was 658. Furthermore, 194 work zone fatalities that occurred in 2016 were because of speeding and 203 fatalities occurred for the same reason in 2017.

Another reason for the high number of traffic accidents near work zones is also due to construction work; the roads become narrow, and the lanes decrease in size. This further causes congestion on the roads. So when vehicles are navigating through congested and narrow lanes in continually changing conditions at high speeds, the risk of colliding into each other is magnified. However, this risk can be minimized greatly if you follow the tips shared below by our experienced auto accident lawyer in PA. These tips will help you when it comes to staying safe when driving in a construction zone:

Safety Tip #1 — Stay Alert and Focus on the Road at All Times

When driving in a work zone, you must stay focused at all times. Even if you take your eyes off the road for a split second, you can end up being in a roadside accident. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid all kinds of distractions, such as:

• Cell phone use
• Texting while driving
• Eating food or drinking
• Applying makeup in the car while sitting behind the wheel
• Fidgeting with the radio or the GPS

Instead, focus on the narrow lanes bordered by barricades and signs, uneven surfaces and dug roads. Also, avoid multi-tasking like adjusting your mirrors and temperature of the AC.

Safety Tip #2 — Obey the Flaggers

Flaggers around the work zone are present to alert vehicle drivers of the dangers nearby. So you must pay attention to them and obey them. Sometimes the flaggers may even ask you to stop and come to a standstill. This usually happens when heavy machinery needs to be moved. Besides this, flaggers may also guide you to merge into one lane when driving through the work zone.

Simply stated, flaggers are there for your safety; therefore, the instructions they give should be heeded. Failure to do so can increase the risk of an accident.

Safety Tip #3 — Try to Maintain a Safe Distance from the Vehicle in Front of You; Don’t Tailgate

One of the best ways to stay safe in a construction zone is to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you while driving at an appropriate speed. Avoid tailgating. Try to keep adequate space between your car and the vehicle in the front to avoid collisions which are not only common in work zones but can also result in serious injuries like broken bones, whiplash and spinal cord damage to the drivers of both vehicles.

Safety Tip #4 — Stay Calm and Be Patient

Indeed, the slow-moving traffic and congested roads can frustrate you as it may take more time to reach your destination. At this point, it is easy to lose your cool and drive recklessly. However, reckless behavior will do you no good. It will not help you move through the area any faster. Instead, it can push you to engage in risky actions, putting you and others in danger. Therefore, our seasoned auto accident lawyer in PA advises car drivers to stay calm and be patient when driving in work zones.

Safety Tip #5 — Merge Properly

If you’re driving in a construction zone and you know that a lane is closing up ahead, then try to merge early. This will prevent you from a frustrating lane change later on. It is important to understand that many accidents that occur in work zones are the result of drivers forced into that situation because they assumed that they could gain a few more seconds of travel time by staying in their current lane for another few hundred yards.

It’s true that work zones are and have always been dangerous areas for both workers and drivers alike, but they don’t need to be that way for you. By following the safety tips that we have shared with you, you can keep yourself safe from collisions and other work zone related accidents.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident Despite the Safety Measures?

Sometimes, even after taking all the preventive and precautionary measures, an accident can still occur because of someone else’s reckless behavior or negligence. In such a scenario, contact our experienced auto accident lawyer in PA right away for legal representation.

Our lawyer will visit the scene of the accident immediately and conduct an in-depth investigation of the accident scene to collect crucial evidence that can help build a strong case against the defendant. We’ll also help you with paperwork filing and will negotiate aggressively with the insurance company of the defendant for a fair settlement. If they don’t agree, then we’ll take the case to court.

We at Cherry Injury Law will fight your case relentlessly to make sure that you get fair and full compensation for injuries, damages, and losses incurred in the accident caused by another driver’s negligence.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your case. We’ll evaluate your case and determine the best course of legal action in your situation. Our auto accident lawyer in PA will provide you with quality guidance and assistance, ensuring that your interests receive the protection you deserve.