USAG Stuttgart Safety Office
Any time work crews are working on a road or highway near traffic, both drivers and workers are at risk. Being able to identify work zones can save lives.
To protect themselves and others, drivers need to slow down whenever they see flashing lights, or move over, if possible, to leave the lane beside the work zone open. In some construction areas, lowered speed limits are posted and must be obeyed at all times.
Follow these tips for driving in work zones:
- Pay careful attention to orange and digital signs that give warnings and information
- Turn on headlights to make your vehicle more visible.
- Respect posted speed limits and slow below the speed limit if conditions such as traffic or weather warrant it.
- Stay alert and increase your following distance behind other vehicles.
- Turn on emergency flashers if you must come to a full stop.
- Use correct merging techniques when changing lanes, and use your turn signals.
- Respond promptly to flaggers and road workers.
- Be extra cautious on uneven pavement or near drop offs to avoid losing control of your vehicle.
- Don’t distract yourself with cell phones, navigation systems or stereos.
- Expect the unexpected.