What you should and shouldn’t do during road construction zones is unclear. If you live in a city where road construction is standard, you need to follow the laws that apply to road construction. If you don’t, you could put your family at risk. Road safety expert John Walker outlines the rules to ensure you’re prepared when traffic slows.
In a previous blog, I talked about the importance of traffic safety rules for the safety of our families on the roads. Today, I want to share those traffic rules and what to expect when driving through a construction zone. In this blog, we will cover road construction safety rules, what they are, and how to keep your family safe when driving on roads that are being constructed.
Road construction safety rules have become a daily subject in newspapers and news shows. So, you can imagine how difficult it can be to determine the truth from the many opinions, comments, and advice on road safety.
What is road construction?
Road construction is the act of building or improving the road surface. When driving, you’re probably familiar with road construction signs, such as those pictured above. Road construction is often the result of two significant factors: population growth and government spending. Population growth means more vehicles on the road, and government spending means more money for road improvements. Road construction can last from several months to several years, depending on the project size. It’s a good idea to check the road construction status in your area before you plan a trip.
Why does road construction matter?
Road construction is one of the biggest causes of accidents. One study found that about 75% of all traffic accidents happen at intersections, and more than 70% happen in urban areas. In addition, road construction can last months or even years. That’s a long time to wait around. So, if you live in an area where road construction is standard, you need to follow the rules that apply to road construction. If you don’t, you could put your family at risk.
How does road construction affect you?
If you’re unfamiliar with road construction, it’s the process of repairing and maintaining roads being built. Road construction is standard throughout the United States and can impact you as a driver or pedestrian. If you drive through a road construction zone, you may encounter one of the following:
• Slower speeds: While most road construction projects are underway, slow-moving vehicles are not uncommon.
• Road closures: Roads may be closed during road construction, so you can’t access the area.
• Increased police presence: Traffic law enforcement often increases around road construction zones.
If you’re a pedestrian, you should always walk in the middle of the road and never on the shoulder. If you’re walking in the street, you must watch for cars, trucks, and construction equipment. Road construction can also impact your family’s safety if you’re a parent.
Road construction projects
When the traffic is closed down, it’s time to “do the right thing.” As much as you’d love to be the first to turn around and avoid road construction, you should slow down and obey all traffic laws. If you don’t, you could end up in a dangerous situation. This is because the driver in front of you is just as responsible for your family’s safety as you are. The law says so. Section 31 of the Highway Traffic Act explains that you must “obey all traffic signs and give way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.”
Tips for dealing with road construction
Road construction safety rules are the same no matter where you live. However, the laws change depending on your location. In most states, if you’re driving on the road with road construction and cannot see a construction worker, you must stop and wait for the worker to pass. Once you’re past the road construction, you should avoid road hazards and obey traffic signs. While waiting, you should turn off your cell phone and leave the kids in the car because they can distract you. When you’re back on the road, keep your speed between 10 and 15 miles per hour, and don’t exceed the posted speed limit. Drivers who travel through road construction zones are usually required to slow down.
How to prepare for road construction
Road construction can happen anywhere, and you should always follow traffic rules. But if you’re in a road construction zone, there are a few things you need to do to keep your family safe.
First, it’s essential to understand how road construction zones work. Orange signs with yellow lettering and black numbers generally mark road construction zones. The number on the sign tells you the type of road construction you’re driving on. For example, an arrow sign indicates a construction zone for a highway or road. A stop sign indicates that you should stop. This is typically seen at an intersection, where the stop sign indicates that you should come to a complete stop.
Next, you need to know what to expect. You’re driving through a road construction zone. Most road construction zones require traffic to slow down. The speed limit is usually 20 mph less than the speed limit on your driving road. Road construction zones also typically have lane closures. Lane closures mean tou can’t go straight, so you must turn left or right. You should expect to make frequent lane changes when driving in a road construction zone.
Finally, road construction zones can have multiple construction projects at once. This can be unclear, and staying informed about the different types of road construction projects is best.
Road construction tips for drivers
While it’s tempignoring road construction rules is tempting a good idea. These rules are in place for a reason, and the fact that you’re reading this tells me you’re already aware of the dangers of driving in road construction zones. But you might be surprised to know how many people ignore these rules. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “[a]n average of 16 people are killed each day, and over $7 billion in property damage is caused by crashes that occur on roads being repaved or repaired.” That’s why I’m here to help. This blog will share the road construction safety rules you must know before leaving.
Why Does Road Construction Take So Long
When a road construction project starts, it takes several weeks for the contractor to plan, bid, and build it. Once the contractor begins making, it can take months for the project to complete. The reason is simple: each time the contractor works on a section of the road, they must remove all the existing pavement, put down the new pavement, and then repave it. When the project is done, the road looks like a patchwork of different colors. This can cause confusion and uncertainty for drivers, especially when they see the red, yellow, or blue line on the road.
Frequently asked questions about road construction.
Q: What is the most annoying thing about road construction?
A: There is not enough time in a day to drive on the roads. My husband works out of town, always rushing back to make it home by curfew. I don’t think the government understands how much money we spend to make a simple trip home.
Q: What’s the best part of road construction?
A: The best part of road construction is creating more space for families. There are so many cars on the road that there’s not enough room for everyone.
Myths about road construction
1. The roads are built by a machine called a jackhammer.
2. The roads are built by laying bricks, one on the other.
3. Roads are built by bulldozers and tractors.
4. Roads are built by men using hammers and shovels.
5. Roads are built by men using jackhammers and bulldozers.
Conclusion
The road construction industry is booming, and it seems that it’s going to continue to grow. Roads are being built everywhere, and it’s a tremendous job. This means that we will see many new rules and regulations. These rules are being put in place to protect drivers and workers. These safety measures are so vital that the government enforces them. There are rules about what type of equipment is allowed and what kind of safety equipment needs to be used. As a driver or worker on the road, you must know these rules. This will help keep your family safe when driving and working on the road.
