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  • Keep Yourself and Road Construction Worker Teams Safe

driverImagine the day-to-day experience of a road construction worker — trying to get your work done while cars and trucks race past you at 70 miles per hour or more. It’s not difficult to understand why 2-3% of all workplace fatalities occur at road construction sites. Add to that the number of drivers and passengers who are killed or injured in work zone crashes — as many as 200,000 injuries in the last five years — and it’s easy to see why road safety is so important. At General Chipping, we’re big on safety. Our team has gathered a few tips aimed at helping protect the road construction worker — and to keep everyone safe on the road. Read on to learn more.

Take it Slow
Some states levy hefty fines for those who speed through work zones, but no matter the penalty, you should lower your speed when driving near a construction zone. Expect the unexpected when you’re driving near construction — including heavy machinery entering or exiting the road, confused drivers who may cut in or out of traffic and workers or materials unintentionally straying into the road. Driving at the posted speed limit reduces the amount of time it takes to stop if something enters your lane, and it’s safer for crew members who may be working very close to the flow of traffic.

Move Safely
If at all possible, move to an interior lane to avoid driving directly next to the road work. In many cases, the lane closest to the construction will be blocked off. If it isn’t, do your best to change lanes — so long as it’s possible and safe to do so. Keep as much space as you can between your vehicle and the road work or traffic flaggers stationed on the side of the road. If there is a traffic flagger, make sure to follow their instructions. A traffic officer or construction crew member who is directing traffic takes precedence over any traffic lights in the area.

Stay Aware
Whether you’re driving through a highway construction zone or a neighborhood road project, it’s important to remain hyperaware of your surroundings. You could encounter uneven pavement, large potholes, gravel surfaces and even plywood or metal plates covering holes or cables. Don’t try to swerve around these things, because you could find yourself colliding with oncoming traffic or injuring a crew member. Now isn’t the time to get distracted by changing your podcast or having an animated talk with your passengers. Stay focused on the road until you’re though the construction zone.

Want more detailed tips for driving safely near construction zones? Check out the work zone safety guide from the U.S. Department of Safety, or the Safe Driving Kit from the National Safety Council.

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