Avoiding Danger While Driving Through Work Zones

Road construction is everywhere. It is something we all must endure on a regular basis in order to be safer. However, those orange and white cones and blinking arrow signs can be dangerous for drivers all across the United States. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to ensure that you can navigate work zones safely.

Drive Slowly and Deliberately

In 2014, the DOT released reports estimating that 4,400 people died in work zones over a five-year span. Drivers and passengers accounted for 85 percent of the fatalities. Avoid these deadly situations by driving slowly and deliberately through work zones. You should drive below the posted speed limit to ensure you have time to react to changing driving patterns and to posted instructions from the construction crew.

Ignore Potential Distractions

A distraction is anything that shifts your focus from driving. While it's never smart to drive distracted, work zones, in particular, require your full attention. The following strategies should help you keep your focus on the road in a work zone:

Turn down/off the radio.
Halt all conversations.
Ignore your cell phone.
Position your mirrors for optimal viewing.
Don't eat or drink while driving.

At every twist and turn through a construction zone, it's important that you remain aware of your surroundings. You should read the signs and watch the brake lights of the cars ahead of you to anticipate driving behaviors.

Never Tailgate in Work Zones

A crash in a work zone could threaten your life and the lives of people around you. It could also send your auto insurance premiums skyrocketing. As such, it is important that you drive with a safe following distance. The rule of thumb for following cars is for every 10 miles per hour of speed, you should have one car length between you and the car in front of you. Employing this strategy can help you prevent accidents and save lives.

Make sure your fleet has the right coverage for your business' needs. Call Integrity Network Insurance Group, LLC at (844) 524-4744 for more information on the commercial auto insurance policies we offer.

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