I don’t know if you have to travel down 787 as often as I do, but it feels like during the summer months and into the fall, 787 is in a constant state of being under construction. This typically means that there will be a lot of traffic, and many angry people driving even more aggressively than they would have otherwise. Unfortunately, these construction sites bear the brunt of our traffic based anger and it creates an unsafe work environment and an unsafe driving environment for those of us on the road. This is why there is a distinct need to go over some construction zone safety tips to keep those working in the sites and those of us driving through the sites safe and sound.

Safety professionals recommend several precautions to help make construction zones safer for everyone:

• When approaching a construction/maintenance situation exercise caution and slow down.

• Observe warning and caution signs before entering a construction zone.

• Observe these posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.

• Turn on your lights to make your vehicle more visible.

• Expecting the unexpected is a golden rule when traveling through construction zones.

• Avoid abrupt driving maneuvers.

• Always be aware that vehicles ahead of you may stop unexpectedly.

• Maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of construction zone accidents.

• Drivers should slow to the posted speed and move to the proper lane as instructed.

• Traffic and road conditions may dictate an even slower speed.

• Keep -up with the traffic flow.

• Obey road crew flaggers!

• Drivers should not wait until the last minute to merge to the correct lane.

• Use correct merging techniques when changing lanes – use your indicators.

• Narrow lanes and restricted shoulders make construction zones a common place for lane-change accidents.

• Regular traffic lanes are often shifted to temporary lanes and shoulders that may not provide the stability regular traffic lanes offer.

• Stay alert for aggressive drivers. If another motorist is aggressively jockeying for position, drivers should let them move on. Challenging another driver encourages road rage and endangers the safety of other motorists and workers in the area.

• Avoid distracting activities. Remaining alert for unexpected hazards is critical when traveling through construction zones. Talking on a cell phone, tuning the radio, eating, reading, or other similarly distracting activities can quickly lead to an accident.

• Watch for construction equipment and workers. Construction equipment entering and exiting a work zone without warning, equipment extending into traffic, and construction crews and flaggers working dangerously close to moving traffic are a few of the hazards to expect.

• Stay alert for obstacles and debris. Construction equipment, signs, and barriers may be located close to the edge of the roadway. Debris from work projects, especially dust, dirt, and gravel, may cause added disruption.

• Be patient, cautious, and courteous. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.’

While taking extra precautions is extremely helpful and even important while navigating construction zones, it’s always good to have the extra help from safety features like Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield® Technologies which is available on Nissan vehicles like the 2017 Nissan Altima, Rogue, and Sentra. To test drive any of these vehicles, stop by Destination Nissan today!

“Road Safety near Construction Zones / Road Works.” Arrive Alive, www.arrivealive.co.za/Road-Safety-near-Construction-Zones-Road-Works.