What should you do when driving through a road construction or work zone?

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In work zones, the key practice is to proceed with extra caution by slowing down and following the guidance of signs and flaggers. Construction areas can have unpredictable changes in how the road is laid out, with narrowed lanes, unexpected merges, and workers nearby. Slowing down gives you more time to react to sudden stops, workers entering or leaving the roadway, and equipment moving close to traffic. Signs indicate the new speeds and lane arrangements, and flaggers may direct you with hand signals or stop/slow gestures—obeying their directions is essential for everyone's safety. Traffic patterns can shift quickly, so stay attentive, scan far ahead, and be prepared to adjust your speed or lane position at a moment’s notice. Avoid distractions, including using your phone, and only check traffic information before entering or after leaving the zone.

Rushing through a work zone or ignoring signs increases the risk of crashes and endangers workers. Signs and flagger directions exist specifically to manage these temporary changes and protect people on and near the road.