When spring eventually returns to Michigan, plenty of road construction projects will get underway. Construction zones can be highly dangerous for workers and motorists alike. That’s why it’s essential for drivers to take extra care when they enter a construction zone. This means obeying all signs as well as instructions from those directing traffic in and around these areas.
Following are some important tips to help drivers avoid unnecessary and tragic accidents:
- Begin to slow down and be especially alert as soon as you see signs indicating construction ahead. These are generally diamond-shaped signs.
- Take care if you need to change lanes. If there are lane closures, you may have multiple lanes of vehicles trying to merge into one lane. Use your turn signal before attempting to change lanes and continue to observe traffic around and behind you through your mirrors as you complete the lane change.
- Allow extra space between the driver ahead of you and your vehicle. A good rule of thumb to help avoid a rear-end collision is to have seven seconds worth of braking distance. Also keep a safe distance from any traffic cones, barriers and (of course) highway workers.
- Watch the flaggers and law enforcement officers who are monitoring and directing traffic and obey their directions.
- Remain patient. It’s natural to become frustrated if your trip is delayed by road construction. However, it’s essential to drive as slowly as necessary for the conditions around the construction zone.
- Make sure you’re completely out of the construction zone before you resume the normal posted speed.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury, either as a motorist or a highway worker, in a road construction zone due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be dealing for some time with significant medical expenses, lost wages and other financial damages. It’s worthwhile to explore your legal options for compensation.
