Staying Safe When Driving In Construction Zones

Another road construction season comes every year. While some drivers might get a little annoyed when they see the flashing arrows and orange cones, it is essential to remember construction crews are just doing their jobs. Without them, our roads and highways would never get repaired or resurfaced. You might not consider the dangers these workers encounter on the job, but being hit by a passing vehicle is at the top of the list. The additional challenges and distractions of construction zones also generate more significant risks for everyone on the road.  

Driving Through Construction Zones Safely

As potholes are being filled and our roads are being mended, it creates a certain level of chaos. Lanes get reconfigured with orange cones and concrete barriers seemingly popping up everywhere. As a result, vehicles from other lanes are all trying to merge into the remaining lanes. Safely navigating through this added congestion requires a calm, disciplined, and focused approach. Below, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s attorneys have listed some tips that can help protect you and reduce your risk of being involved in a construction zone accident:

1. Stay Calm: Construction zone congestions are a part of summertime driving.
2. Slow down: As construction workers may seem to appear out of nowhere and drivers are fighting to merge, you need extra time to react to the unexpected.
3. Be Courteous: Try to be extra considerate of other drivers who are trying to switch lanes and workers who may walk into your path. 
4. Pay Attention: Construction zones have their fair share of distractions. 
5. Keep Two Hands on the Wheel: The rough surface and asphalt pebbles make steering through work zones particularly challenging.
6. Merge Safely: When you notice your lane is ending, you should begin planning your merge accordingly. The zipper merge, where vehicles alternate merging from two lanes into one, is often one of the safest methods. 
7. Avoid Tailgating: The most common construction zone car accidents are rear-end collisions.
8. Change Lanes Responsibility: Most construction zones have solid white lines between the lanes. New York law prohibits drivers from crossing these. Only change lanes at designated pavement markings. 

These safety measures should significantly reduce the risks of driving through work zones. As one of Western New York’s finest personal injury attorneys, every day, Jed Dietrich, Esq. fights for those injured due to the negligence of others. Since construction zone car accidents are often complex and multi-dimensional, you need a highly skilled lawyer to protect your legal rights. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s elite litigators are well-versed in all the nuances and applicable work zone laws. Please, schedule your no-obligation, complimentary consultation, and case evaluation today by dialing 716-839-3939.