Check out these five tips for trucking safely in road construction zones.
Construction zones are very dangerous for all vehicles, but they are especially hazardous for truckers. With narrow, shifting lanes, reduced speeds, and last-second merging, a work zone is difficult to navigate for even the most experienced truck drivers. However, there are a few tips all truckers should know before driving through a work zone to ensure they make it through safely.
Read All Signs
Construction zones have multiple signs for a reason! Be on the lookout for any work zone signs that warn about the changes in normal traffic ahead so you can prepare to slow down and merge as early as possible. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) states that driver distraction is a huge factor in fatal truck-involved work zone crashes, so it’s crucial to remain extremely focused on the road and everything happening around your truck.
Safe Distance
Truckers should leave plenty of space between their truck and the vehicle in front of them at all times, but this is especially important in construction zones. Cars will be moving very slowly through work zones, and you should always be prepared to slow down or stop unexpectedly. In addition to keeping your eyes on the taillights of vehicles ahead of you, be sure to also look on the horizon for traffic pattern changes.
Merge Early
Merging is never easy for a large truck, and it’s crucial to merge as safely as possible. In a work zone, lanes are often blocked so all vehicles must merge into one or two lanes of traffic, and it’s best that trucks merge into the correct lane as soon as they can safely do so.
Keep An Eye Out For Workers
While driving through an active work zone, it’s essential to keep your eye out for workers and their machinery, as they can enter your traffic lane at any moment. You may see a “Flagger Ahead” sign, alerting you that traffic may be stopped. Once again, the best way to avoid an accident is to give the road your complete attention and be on high alert.
Patience
It’s easy to get impatient while sitting in traffic, but all professional truckers know that there is no use getting angry or frustrated. Highways require maintenance, and you are bound to drive through construction zones during your haul. Put on some relaxing music or a funny podcast, and remember that it’s more important to stay safe and arrive late than not to arrive at all.
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