5 Tips for Safe Driving in Construction Zones
Professional truck drivers often refer to summer as the construction season because new construction zones appear everywhere this time of year. If you have been driving for a while, you might not be a big fan of construction zones. Driving through them tends to lead to delays, which can be especially frustrating when you’re on a tight deadline to make deliveries.
However, it is crucial to focus on following safe driving practices to keep others around you and yourself safe. We’ve created this post to share some essential tips for safe driving in construction zones that every professional truck driver must follow.
5 Safe Driving Tips for Construction Zones
1. Lower Your Speed Keep Your Eyes Open for the Signs
Each time you see warning signs or cones up ahead, you should slow down your vehicle and pay attention to all the signs. Comply with the signage posted by the construction team to navigate the construction zone without incident safely. Comply with lane-change signs as soon as you see them instead of waiting till the last moment and blocking traffic.
2. Mind the Speed Limit Warnings
Adjusting your speed based on the road conditions when driving a truck is essential. You will see speed limit warnings on the road when approaching construction zones. Stay alert and keep an eye out for the signs. Reduce your speed when approaching construction zones so you have ample time to react to any situation you might face. Remember that your truck is not very agile. You can use all the time you can get to navigate out of unpredictable situations.
3. Follow the Directions Given by Flaggers
Flaggers play an important role in keeping motorists safe near construction zones. Complying with their directions is an essential tip for safe driving in construction zones. Always respect flaggers and comply with their directions. Failing to follow their instructions can carry the same penalties as ignoring regulatory signs on the road.
4. Keep Your Distance
Rear-end collisions are some of the most common accidents that occur involving large trucks. As a professional truck driver, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you should always be a priority. Following this safety tip becomes even more important near construction zones. Pay attention to vehicles ahead of you and avoid following them too closely to avoid causing rear-end accidents.
5. Watch for Potential Hazards
Professional truck drivers must always pay attention to their surroundings, but you have to be extra attentive when you are near construction zones. Slow your vehicle, keep checking your mirrors and maintain a distance from vehicles ahead of you. Be mindful of construction workers and give them enough space.
We hope you found this post informative and helpful. Keep following our blog to learn more tips to help you become a successful professional truck driver. If you’re looking for an opportunity to work with some of the best in the business, contact us to find out how you can become part of the S.T.I. Trans family.
