Construction Workers Have the Right of Way

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3683″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]As a driver you are required to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Nowhere is this more important than when you are driving in a construction zone. The lanes may be narrower. Workers may cross the road in front of you or be working right at the edge of traffic. Large construction equipment may impair your view or enter the lane unexpectedly. It will be up to you to safely avoid all of these and other hazards as you make your way through the work zone.

The Flagman

When you are driving on city or country roads your most common interaction with construction crews will be the flagman. His job is to direct traffic around road construction. He does this by using a sign that reads “stop” on one side and “slow” on the other. Before you reach him you will pass “work ahead” signs that are your signal to begin slowing down. Slow even further as you approach the flagman and come to a complete stop if that is what his sign shows. When he indicates for you to proceed, do so slowly through the entire work zone. Watch carefully for the other workers in the area. They will not have very much room to work in and may step into the path of traffic as part of their job. Once safely through the construction you will be able to continue driving normally.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

Freeway Construction Zone

Driving in a construction zone on the freeway is even more dangerous. There is no flagman to let you know that it is safe to proceed. Instead you will see the “road work ahead” signs, usually several miles before you actually enter the work area. You’ll also see signs for reduced speed limits as you approach the construction zone. The new speed limit will put your car at a speed safe for the hazards you’ll encounter during the work zone.

When you enter the road construction, watch for construction vehicles entering and leaving the zone and workers that are close to the flow of traffic. You should always be aware of the other vehicles in front and behind you. Do not follow another car too closely, in case they need to stop abruptly.

Construction Zone On Ramps

When a freeway construction zone passes an on ramp it adds another element of danger to your driving. The motorists on the freeway may not have a second lane to move into to allow you to enter. Sometimes, the ramp has a “yield” sign, but whether it does or not, the drivers already on the freeway have the right of way. As you come down the ramp turn on your signal to enter the stream of traffic and slow. If the traffic is heavy, you may be forced to come to a stop and wait for an opening. At your first safe opportunity, enter the flow and accelerate to the posted construction zone speed limit.

As you become a more experienced driver many of these skills will become second nature to you. What you should always keep in mind is that the construction workers that you pass are improving the roads that you are driving on. They are working in a very hazardous environment and need you to make their jobs a little safer. Remember, in many areas the traffic fines are increased in work zones and you may face criminal charges for injuring or killing a worker.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]