How to Avoid a Car Accident in Construction Zones

Regular road construction is needed to maintain good and safe roads throughout Arizona. Unfortunately, construction can also increase the risk of car accidents. Many people suffer injuries in car crashes every year due to road construction. However, you can take steps to stay safe.

Here are some tips for avoiding a car accident in construction zones.

Look for Signs

When you’re behind the wheel, you should always be on the lookout for signs of road construction, which are typically orange in color. They usually say “work zone ahead,” so you can easily see them as you’re driving along the road. When you see these signs, reduce your speed and look for lane change indications.

Don’t Give Into Distractions

It is always a good idea to avoid distractions when you are driving. However, this becomes especially important when driving in construction zones. If you are reading a text message or changing the radio station, you might miss directions given by the flaggers on the road. Put any distractions away and keep your focus on the road ahead.

Maintain a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles

When you’re driving in a construction zone, you have to increase the distance between your vehicle and other vehicles. Motorists are more likely to make sudden stops in construction zones. If you don’t stay far enough behind the vehicle in front of you, you’re more likely to get into a rear-end accident.

Additionally, look for brake lights shown by the vehicle in front of you. If you see brake lights, you know to slow down or stop your vehicle.

Continue to Drive at a Low Speed

Even if you are almost at the end of a construction zone, don’t try to speed up. Maintaining a lower speed can give you more time to react to obstacles and avoid accidents. Also, driving slower can help you avoid expensive speeding fines.

Be Patient

Driving in a construction zone can definitely be frustrating, especially if you’re on your way to somewhere important. However, it is still important to be patient and obey all the rules. You will get to your destination eventually and avoid getting into an accident in the meantime. 

If you were in a car accident in a construction zone, you may want to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer, like one from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.