Tips for Driving Through Work Zones

While it’s important for all drivers to follow safety precautions when driving through work zones, it’s especially important for fleet drivers as they spend so much time on the roads each year.

As National Work Zone Awareness Week is recognized April 6-10, use these tips when driving through work zones.

Plan ahead and research your route

The easiest way to stay safe through a work zone is to avoid it all together. Fleet managers can work with drivers to research their routes ahead of time to locate work zones and plan alternative routes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also suggests using marked detours when needed.

Stay focused

While it’s always important to pay attention when driving, it’s especially important when driving through a work zone. FMCSA suggests drivers should avoid all distractions and stay focused on the road, signage and the workers giving directions.

Be aware of workers

Drivers should reduce their speed when driving through work zones to have navigate around any obstacles, and to protect workers. FMCSA recommends drivers leave plenty of space between their vehicle and workers, that they slow down when approaching workers and that they be prepared to stop suddenly.

Move into the open lane ASAP

When there is a lane closure due to a work zone, the FMCSA suggests that drivers move into the open lane as soon as they are able, and not wait until right before the lane ends. This can help improve the safety of drivers and workers.

Keep your distance from other vehicles

The FMCSA states that rear-end accidents are common in work zones. To avoid these collisions, drivers should leave extra room between their vehicle and the one in front of it to allow space for sudden braking, if needed.