It’s summertime…which means a lot of things. The weather is warm, the days are long, the weekends are fun, and the road construction crews are out.
Ah, yes, road construction.
While maintaining our roads is an essential part of our infrastructure and a necessary evil to ease transportation, we can all relate when it comes to being frustrated by delays and detours.
All the same, it’s important to remember that no matter how much of a hurry you might be in, safety and caution are most important.
Here are some tips that you should remember when driving in a work zone.
1. Follow Instructions
Often times in work zones it is common for regular road signs and rules to give way to what the road crew requires in order to work efficiently and safely.
This means speed limits are usually significantly reduced, temporary stop lights/stop signs may be installed, lanes can be blocked off, and there may even be construction workers directing traffic. Stay sharp and adhere to the adjustments.
The better you obey the instructions provided to you in a work zone, the easier of a time you will have navigating through it.
2. Go Slow
There are a multitude of reasons to drive at a reduced speed when you are in a work zone. The first being that it’s the law.
Consequences for speeding in a work zone are much heavier than in a regular situation. Just two speeding tickets in a work zone within an 18-month period can result in having your license revoked in the state of New York.
Repercussions for speeding in a work zone are more drastic for a reason; to promote caution and safety. It’s important to drive slower not just to avoid a ticket, but to keep construction workers safe and avoid collisions with equipment or other vehicles.
3. Remain Patient
While you may feel pretty annoyed by work zone delays and congested traffic, remember that the interruptions will pay off later once the roads have been properly cared for.
Keep in mind that you’re not the only one who is being inconvenienced, so be courteous to other drivers. Drive behind the car in front of you at a sensible following distance.
And hey…it doesn’t cost you anything to be polite to the construction workers too.
4. Plan Ahead
If you know there is road construction ahead, consider taking a different route to avoid the headaches altogether. If necessary, leave a little earlier than you normally would so you can make up for the delays.
Keep these tips in mind and make your commute a little easier. You don’t need something foolish like a work zone speeding ticket to slow down your summer.
Remember that if you’re interested in getting the right auto insurance protection at a reasonable price you should reach out to an independent insurance agency like Sidle Insurance.
We can build an insurance strategy around your needs, whether that includes bundling auto and home, covering your business or farm, or even insuring your motorcycle, RV, or boat.
You can get an online insurance quote here on our website or give us a call at 607-535-6501.