Drive Safe Drive Smart / Partners in Prevention A good rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of three to five seconds more if the weather is bad between you and the next car. An equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer. www.ShareTheRoadSafely.gov. If everyone in your party has been drinking, call a taxi or a sober friend to pick you up. Stay safe while driving through a work zone and the open road by following these distracted driving safety tips. Youre rounding out day one, and suddenly you notice bumper-to-bumper traffic ahead. By merging early, you are less likely to get stuck in a long line of people all attempting to get over at the last moment. (Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Ben has more than 5 years of experience in Blogging and Internet Marketing. ), OBEY ROAD CREW FLAGGERS! 5. speaking of, here's information about how to change a flat tire, http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp, equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer, Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven, Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road, Do not get behind the wheel if you are tired, Do not take medications that may make you sleepy before driving. Always maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Stay slow, and stay safe! Once you are in a work zone, it is important to maintain a safe speed and keep your eyesand earsfocused on what is going on around you. BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM. to get a free case review. Resources to help you adapt to the realities of COVID-19. In poor light, rain or other bad weather, make your vehicle as visible as possible so that other drivers can see you. Those crashes resulted in three fatalities and 56 injuries to highway workers and vehicle occupants. All Rights Reserved. Hepatitis A(hep A) - The hep A virus can cause liver failure. (Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time. You must pay close attention to all of these and focus on the road ahead. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can . . While U.S. drivers are fortunate to live in a country that maintains its roadways and displays to its citizens their tax dollars at work, it seems that at least one section of our normal route is under construction at all times. Youll see the signs that say Road Construction Ahead and Construction Zone or simply Road Work and Detour Ahead. The sign that might grab your attention will read Traffic Fines Double in Work Zones.. Distracted Driving at Work. National Work Zone Awareness Week 2023: Tips to Stay Safe in - Medium Barriers, such as drums, cones and tubes (panels) are used to keep traffic out of hazardous work zones. Pay Attention You should always keep your eyes on the road, but this is exceptionally important in work zones. Work Zone Law A work zone is an area where roadwork takes place and may involve a lane closure, a detour, and moving equipment. As long as you pace yourself, obey all traffic signs, and avoid distractions, you should be able to safely (and legally) get through any construction zone. During bad weather, drive slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles to give yourself extra time to break. Turn around and reroute. At night, high beams may be necessary to increase visibility and avoid potential hazardsespecially when you're traveling away from the city. Remain calm. Also be aware that in some states it's illegal for a vehicle to enter a cross walk while a pedestrian is still inside the white lineseven if they're on the opposite side of the roadand could result in a citation if observed. Their instructions supersede any posted or implied traffic signals. (Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road. If you are the designated driver, use the CHEERS to the Designated Driver program in your community to get free non-alcoholic beverages at participating bars and restaurants. Other tips for staying safe in a work construction zone include: Keep these tips in mind as you encounter any construction zones in your area, and avoid traffic fines associated with construction area on the road. Merge Ahead of Time If you are approaching a work zone and see signs about lane closures ahead, you should start to merge out of the lane or lanes that will be closed. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better. There may sometimes be uneven roads, gravel surfaces and even large metal plates. Orange construction signs will warn you of major bumps and dips. Take our free sample driving test -- no registration required! Don't tailgate - maintain safe following distances. You can contact our lawyers by calling 702-570-0000 to get a free case review. Anything significantly higher or lower and you'll become a hazard to everyone around you. Make sure all passengers are buckled up, and that kids are in the safest seat based on their age. You will be responsible for any damage to your vehicle if you make contact with construction cones or barrels. The third offense for speeding in a work site within a three-year period includes a $1,000 fine. In Nevada, the speed limit can only be dropped 10 mph lower than the existing limits, but the fine for not following these reduced speeds doubles to $1,000. Everything You Need to Know About Car Accident Witness Statements, The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Personal Injury Accident, A Guide to Understand Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), A Guide to Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Change lanes and speed up to get around slower vehicles. Likewise, if someone needs to enter your lane and has on their blinker, let them do so instead of speeding up. Things you should try to avoid while operating a vehicle include: Talking on hand-held devices. KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW. 2 Most fatalities in work zones are drivers and passengers; approximately14% of fatalitiesinvolved pedestrians or highway workers.2 1 Look for the orange diamonds. zone safety, visit www.workzonesafety.org. If you see another pair of headlights or taillights on the road, make it a habit to switch off your high beams to avoid blinding other drivers. Make sure you slow down and follow the speed limits with a lot of vehicles coming in and out, its important to be able to stop quickly. (The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Safe Trucking: 5 Safety Tips for Driving in Work Zones - Weeklysafety.com You should also keep your vehicle as far from them as possible, without leaving your lane. Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind when you encounter the work zone: Look for the orange diamonds. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone. There are instructors that can teach you how to control a skid, as well as helping you master good driving practices. Speed up and pass the vehicle, put your turn signal on, wait for an opening, and then merge back into the right lane. Weaving around slower cars is a dangerous practice. If you are involved in a crash, as a driver or a passenger, it is important to. (Work zones aren't there to personally inconvenience you. Tips for Driving Safely in a Work Zone - Shook & Stone Personal Injury Before you are involved in a crash, ensure that you have the proper information in your vehicle. (The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. Youre reading one of our Beginner Drivers Guide articles. For those caught speeding in a work site for the first time, the penalty results in a $300 fine. Work Zone Safety Tips In addition to staying alert to the roadwork and traffic flow, we have a few other tips that can help you drive through a work zone safely. Here are some tips to ensure the experience of driving in a road work zone is a safe one for all: A construction zone typically doesnt just sneak up on you there should be several orange construction zone signs alerting you to the upcoming work area. Whenever you need to drive through an area where road work is happening, you should reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. This necessary annoyance is the cause of thousands of traffic accidents each year, many of which involve individuals whose job it is to resurface, repair, and replace our roadways. 4) avoid meds that may impare performance and alcohol. To gauge this, wait for the car in front of you to pass a stationary object, such as a road work sign, then count how many seconds it takes your car to pass the same object. Join 1,972,984 Americans who searched for Car Insurance Rates: Tailgating isn't just dangerousit's also disrespectful to all the other motorists. When you drive through a construction zone, you should: If you are looking to learn how to drive more safely, or want to know how to make your vehicle safer and more visible on the road, then this guide offers some advice. As long as you follow some simple road safety tips, getting through a construction zone should be a breeze. There can be many hazards in a work zone, such as moving equipment, traffic pattern shifts and lane changes. It has been proven that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)the chemical that causes most of marijuanas psychological effectsslows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. Drivers in Nevada are no strangers to road work and construction zones. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.) SLOW DOWN! To ensure the safety of workers and drivers in work zones, speed limits typically drop from originally posted signs. KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW. So, don't tailgate.) (Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.) drivers test Flashcards | Quizlet Sudden lane changes. Most Missouri college students choose not to drive after consuming marijuana products. If you are taking a new prescription drug or a higher dose of a current prescription drug, do not drive until you know what effect it has on your judgement, coordination, and reaction time. Driving through construction zones poses additional hazards. Overview. Wet roads, heavy traffic, or night time driving are all reasons to slow down even more. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. With these easy safety tips, youre ready to hit the road no matter what lies ahead. And that can be dangerous in a work zone: In 2014, auto accidents in work zones resulted in 669 fatalities and about 30,500 injuries.1. Five Areas of a Work Zone. Safety belts definitely save lives approximately 15,000 each year. Maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you at all times to avoid rear-end crashes. Reaching for items. This might mean switching your lights on, using reflective tape, or getting light bars for trucks. Similarly, if you have your high beams on (or you've installed extremely bright HID headlights), you can blind drivers in front of you as you come up behind them and shine your lights into their rear-view and side-view mirrors. New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations [NSPPD] || 6th - Facebook Dont try to swerve to avoid these areas if youre driving slowly enough, your car should remain safe. It may be considerably lower during times when people are on and around the road. INDOT states that it is drivers civic duty to practice safe driving in work zone areas to keep everyone as safe as possible. If a sign tells you that roadwork is 1,500 feet away, that means if you're traveling at 60 mph, you'll be at the work zone in only 17 seconds. Every day, employees in various industries and professions are exposed to a range of hazards What is Personal Injury? In some cases, mostly when work construction is on local roads, there will be a traffic flagger. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE CAR AHEAD OF YOU. Traffic is sometimes directed to drive over gravel surfaces in construction zones. Fines and penalties for driving while distracted are substantial and are likely a lot more severe if youre caught while youre in a construction zone. Always keep a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front, and extend that gap further in bad weather. When the vehicle directly in front of you passes it, begin to count. Follow these helpful tips to drive safer, and smarter, in construction work zones. Be patient. Pay attention to other drivers. When you enter a work zone, there will be a posted speed limit that's noticeably lower than the normal speed limit on that road. CMV Driving Tips - Too Fast for Conditions | FMCSA Due to the limited horizontal clearance available and the heightened awareness of motorists through work zones, clear zone requirements should be more flexible than those . However, in the unfortunate event that you are involved in a work-zone car accident, read on to learn what you should do. Its best to plan accordingly and prepare to go slowly when you know youre entering a construction zone. Large metal plates are often used to reinforce bridges and overpasses while they are being repaired. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money. Work Zone Safety Awareness - The Official Website of New York State G202 MU Student Center, Columbia, MO 65211. Also, keep in mind if you swerve and run over an orange cone or barrel, you are responsible for any damage to your vehicle. (Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time. An angry, hostile state which increase into violent criminal actions, or attempt of actions, that result from the operation of a motor vehicle. BAC is the amount of alcohol in a persons body. 1999 - 2023 DMV.ORG. In fact, 65% of Missouri college students do not drive after consuming marijuana products. Another common problem that occurs while driving through a work zone is distracting driving. Freeway ramps are a place for cars to enter and exit safely. While road work may be a hassle, no one is at fault for the tardiness it may cause. Work Zone Law | SCDPS - South Carolina WSDOT: Drive safely near work zones - The Columbian Need to practice for your upcoming exam? It's not a bad idea to toss a phone charger, a couple bottles of water, and some granola bars in the car as well, just in case you get stranded. Road Work Ahead: Driving Safely in Construction Zones Digital Marketing Consultant and a Blogger. Cruising in the left lane, especially if cars begin to pass you on the right, creates a dangerous environment on the road. Once youve entered the zone, slow down and pay attention to the road for workers, obstacles and machinery. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! Work zone safety is important for your well-being, as well as your passengers, other drivers and workers in the work zone. When entering a work zone: Once you are in a work zone, it is important to maintain a safe speed and keep your eyesand earsfocused on what is going on around you. Or Call 1.888.695.4625 to get a quote. To determine if the work zone operators are responsible for an accident, certain conditions need to be met, including: Regardless of how it happens, if you are involved in a vehicle accident in a work zone, get yourself checked out by a medical professional, then contact a personal injury attorney before dealing with the insurance companies. Cooler, denser air can boost power and mileage. How fast can I go in a work zone? Try to move away safely. When you are driving through a construction zone, take a deep breath, relax, and just keep trucking safely. more if the weather is bad between you and the next car. Narrow lanes. The most important thing a driver can do to prevent road construction from causing an accident or injury is to maintain a positive attitude. Several of these signs will be placed along side the roadway well before the actual construction zone to warn drivers. Drivers who operate vehicles recklessly and/or aggressively through a work zone will increase the fine to $5,000. Despite the long journey ahead, youre looking forward to the warmer weather and beautiful scenery along your route. Safety tips for driving through a work zone - IFBI Large metal barricades with reflective white and neon orange stripes warn drivers that a roadway is closed. You have entered an incorrect email address! It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. A work zone is an area where there is roadwork taking place. Oftentimes, school zone signs have the "When children are present" notice. Highways will often have a limit of 45mph in a work zone, while roads in (sub)urban spaces may post a limit of 25mph. No matter the experience you have behind the wheel, the following work zone safety tips and information are important to understand. Avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. ), The second offense for speeding in a work site increases to a $500 penalty. Avoid all the distractions when entering this zone 2 Traffic patterns are constantly changing during highway construction, so its crucial to be aware of these changes whenever possible. If youre caught ignoring signs and get into an accident that results in an injury, you could be in serious legal hot water. Do not steer into or run over these objects. This equates to one work zone injury every 5.4 minutes, and at least 70 people were injured every day.. Knowing that you are driving safely will help you to feel more confident on the road, and calm, collected drivers are safer than nervous ones! More vehicles out on the roads than ever before, it makes sense to keep up with new ways to Drive Safely. On top of the hazards you should always look for, like distracted drivers, you need to be aware of: Construction workers. Flaggers. * Retrieve a saved quote Find an Agent 3-Second Rule for Safe Following Distance [Video] By Travelers Risk Control Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents between vehicles.1 They occur when drivers do not have enough time to perceive and react safely to slowing or stopped traffic. People should use common sense when driving through work zones. STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS! Speeding is one of the most common problems that occurs when drivers are in a work zone. If you'd like even more information about how to remain safe on the roadways, check out our top 5 tips for a stress-free commute. Speed limits are reduced in work zones and drivers often get impatient or careless, which results in driving above the posted speed limit. Make sure you arrange for a designated driver who will consume no alcohol if you plan to drink. 4. Slow down. >When you arrive at the roundabout, yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians and bicyclists. It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash. of car crashes every year. To avoid and accident or causing a traffic jam, it's best to go with the flow of trafficwhich should be right around the speed limit. Back-to-School Safety for Drivers - National Safety Council Before entering a work zone, notice what the posted . Heavy machinery. Additionally, vehicles could be entering the highway in new places, so it is important to plan for that as well. A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. Diamond shaped orange warning signs are typically posted in advance of road construction projects. If you do feel tired, pull over and rest. If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. Our primary mission is to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Some jurisdictions will double the fine for speeding in a construction zone. Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try barge in. There will be irresponsible drivers. You might be surprised to learn that even common driving habits can be unsafe. The purpose of signs is to keep you and the workers safe. 3) get enough sleep before hand. It means making sure tires are in good condition and have the right amount of pressure in them. According to IN.gov, there are extreme penalties for driving infractions within worksite zones. Pay close attention to the work zone signs, and never tailgate or you could end up in a serious accident. He has been a technology/lifestyle writer for years and launched many successful projects. What Is Vehophobia and How Do You Overcome It? What do you do when an aggressive driver confronts you? In Missouri, 68% of college students do not drive after using prescription drugs. Help prevent disaster when driving in fog by skipping the high beams and staying focused. To avoid disregarding the safety of others, you should focus solely on driving while you're behind the wheel. FMCSA, alongside road safety allies across the country, are continuously working to remind everyone how to share the roads safely with large trucks and buses, no matter the road condition. If it is less than three seconds, pull back to allow more space. Accidents are the leading cause of highway construction safety issues and the death of construction workers. Together, we can help prevent CMV-involved crashes, specifically in work zones. Ukraine joining NATO will make the world more "vulnerable", Russia's president has warned. Although you may be required to drive close to these machines, try to steer your car as far away from them as possible. FAQ: Children's Vaccines - WebMD Don't pass the construction zone if you want to. If required to drive on newly laid asphalt, you may hear a clinking sound as small pieces are slung underneath your fenders by your tires. 14 Ways to Drive a Car Safely - wikiHow It is essential to avoid distractions in order to drive safely. At Shook & Stone, our legal experts are here to help you through the entire process; whether you were injured by another driver or due to negligence in a work zone. Several of these signs will be placed along side the roadway well before the actual construction zone to warn drivers. NYS Permit:Defensive driving Flashcards | Quizlet A driver with a .10 BAC has a 48 times higher risk of being involved in a crash than someone who has not been drinking at all. For drivers who injure or kill a highway construction worker, they could end up paying a $10,000 fine and serve up to six years in jail. You can avoid getting into legal trouble if you obey all signs and the speed limit. PDF Work/Construction Zones - NHTSA This is especially important when driving through a construction zone since the odds of an accident are much higher. *The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only. You should also expect the unexpected as you drive through these areas. When you operate a vehicle, you take on a responsibility for all the passengers inside the vehicle. 6. Wiper blades should not be worn, and you must have all lights functioning. Before setting out on the road, research . You must follow these instructions.
Town Of Harmony Building Permit, Articles H