Hazard zones with cones, drums, or other equipment usually prompt drivers to a caution while driving on many streets, roads, or highways. On the other hand, there are drivers that have a total disregard for traffic signs or laws and no matter what they will continuously break traffic laws.
Road repairs are consistently in the works since the passing of SB 1 earlier this year. Drivers can expect projects to start as early as May and continue through April. Although SB 1 goal is revenue driven let us review the safety rules and guidelines to work zone driving.
Step into the shoes of engineers and government officials who have to determine conditions of the roads for improvements. Can you imagine the amount of anxiety and pressure that they face at times? Making decisions such as where to apply funds or which roads need improvements first can be very stressful. Although we see work zones as a nuisance or inconvenience, these work zones are there to make our lives more efficient. The adequateness in developing safer roads makes transitions and commute smoother for drivers.Practicing safe driving should be habitual. Drivers can routinely get into practice of safe skills by remembering important rules when driving on the roads. Remembering little rules can make a huge difference in the lives of those at work in work zones as well as those driving on the roads in construction zones. SB 1 is here! Be aware of work zones rules.Here is a guide to “Cone Zone” driving:
- Signs are usually an indicator that a driver is approaching roadwork.
- Drivers should obey all posted speed limits at all times in work zones. Typically, these speed limits are lower from normal posted limits.
- Stay alert at all times. Be able to stop at any moment.
- Patience is a virtue.
- Lanes are very narrow in work zones; do not try to pass the car in front of you.
- Do not tailgate. Expect the unexpected.
- Verify that you have clear site of the work zone worker at all times, and proceed with caution.
- Cell phones are highly discouraged and prohibited from use in a work zone area.
- When traveling at night best practices are to turn headlights on, approach slowly, and make sure that work zone employee or other drivers has acknowledged you as a driver.
- Be prepared for delays during highly peak driving times of the day.
- As construction is in progress and roads are widened, a driver can anticipate a lane shift, if that occurs, merge properly into the correct lane when directed to do so by the worker.
There are deadly consequences for not following safety measure going slow for the cone zone. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicle death and injuries each year were a direct result of rear-end collisions in work zone areas. Many passengers as well as drivers lose their lives in work zones.Remember if you are entering a work zone to free yourself of all distractions, slow down, make sure that you allow ample enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, anticipate being able to make sudden stops, and expect others to switch lanes at the last minute. Penalties for traffic violations in a work zone can run anywhere from $1,000 or more. If a driver assaults a highway worker, fines go up to $2,000 and can include imprisonment for up to one year. Make the right choice and go slow for the cone zone.