Driving comes with lots of expectations. I’m saying this from experience. I’ve been driving for 18 years and I’m categorically telling you that you need to be a skilled driver to be able to tackle the shenanigans that come with driving.
As a skilled driver or a motorist, you are expected to know when you’re about to enter a work zone. You are also expected to know what to do or how to drive after entering the work zone. All these and many more are what are expected from you.
Therefore, a motorist should know that he/she is entering a work zone because of diamond-shaped orange work zone signs, the presence of a “flagger,” and a sign with a flashing arrow panel.
A Motorist Should Know That He/She is Entering a Work Zone Because of?
Here’s how a motorist should know that he/she is entering a work zone:
1. Work Zone Warning Signs on the Road
As a motorist, you should be able to know that you are about to enter a work zone because of warning signs on the road. This is possible because work zones are usually marked by prominent warning signs well before the actual construction area begins.
The signs are designed to alert you of the upcoming changes in road conditions so that you can adjust your speed and know what to do.
Also, these warning signs are usually bright orange with bold lettering or symbols, making them easily noticeable from a distance with messages like “Road Work Ahead” or “Construction Zone Ahead,” giving motorists advance notice to prepare for reduced speeds and lane closures.
So, as a driver, you can’t say you didn’t see the signs because they are usually boldly written and deliberately placed in places where motorists can easily see them.
Moreover, if the signs are there and you claim not to see them, then there must be something wrong. Since they are usually positioned in places where motorists can easily see them, if you claim not to see them, then your driving judgment should be questioned.
2. Sign With Flashing Lights
In addition to warning signs, flashing lights are commonly used to grab drivers’ attention and highlight the presence of a work zone.
These lights may be mounted on temporary traffic signals, placed at the beginning of the work zone, or even installed on construction vehicles.
Their purpose is to provide extra visibility, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather, ensuring that drivers are aware of the upcoming changes in road conditions.
However, as someone who has been driving for 18 years, I’ve passed through countless work zones and I can tell you that the flashing light is usually visible for motorists to see.
The last one I saw had a pointer arrow, pointing to the lane to follow because the other lane had been blocked because of the work going on there. Even the pointer had flashing lights, so you can claim not to have seen the lights.
3. Reduced Speed Limits
As a motorist, when you approach a work zone, you will encounter signs showing reduced speed limits. The signs will tell you that there’s a work zone ahead, therefore, reduce your speed limit.
The essence of the speed limit reductions is to enhance safety within the construction area, as lower speeds reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents.
The new speed limits are usually temporary and enforced strictly within the bounds of the work zone. So, failing to adhere to these reduced speed limits can result in hefty fines and penalties.
4. Lane Closures or Lane Shifts
Another way a motorist should know he/she is entering a work zone is because of lane closure. Like I said earlier, the last work zone I passed through had a whole lane closed because of the work going on the lane.
To indicate that the lane was closed, they had to put pointer signs with flashing lights, signaling drivers to follow the other lane.
Therefore, as a motorist, once you drive into the work zone, you may encounter these lane closures or lane shifts.
Apart from the pointer with flashing lights, other ways to know about lane closures are through the use of traffic cones, barrels, or barriers to close off certain lanes and redirect traffic.
Lane closures are necessary to create a safe working environment for construction crews and to facilitate the completion of road repairs or improvements.
As a driver, you must be vigilant and follow the guidance provided by the signage and lane markings to be able to drive through these altered traffic patterns safely.
5. Orange Cones or Barrels
You cannot talk about work zones without mentioning the popular orange cones or barrels. It is a common sight indicator of a work zone. So, as a motorist, you are expected to know that you’re about to enter the work zone once you see orange cones or barrels ahead.
They are placed in some strategic places to guide motorists and delineate the boundaries of the construction area. Because these cones are bright orange, they are highly visible, especially in contrast to the surrounding environment.
However, orange cones are placed in the work zone to serve different yet important purposes. For example;
- When certain lanes are closed due to construction activities, cones or barrels are placed to block off these lanes, directing traffic away from the closed area.
- In some cases, rather than complete lane closures, lanes may be shifted to accommodate ongoing work. In this case, they will place cones or barrels there to create temporary lane markings, telling motorists the new alignment they should follow.
- Cones or barrels are also used for channelization, which involves guiding traffic into specific lanes or paths through the work zone to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles and minimize confusion among drivers.
- Construction works believe that the bright orange color of cones or barrels enhances motorist’s visibility, especially in low-light conditions or during inclement weather. They believe that it helps motorists to easily identify the presence of a work zone from a distance.
- Finally, in addition to marking the boundaries of the work zone, cones or barrels may be used to warn motorists of hazards, such as uneven pavement, temporary obstacles, or changes in road conditions.
As you can see, orange cones or barrels are commonly seen in work zone areas to ensure the safety and efficiency of traffic flow within work zones.
Therefore, as a motorist, you are expected to pay close attention to these devices, obey them, and proceed with caution to minimize the risk of accidents or delays in a work zone.
6. Construction Equipment and Workers
One of the most unmistakable signs of a work zone is the presence of construction equipment and workers. As a driver, once you enter the construction area, you will likely encounter various types of machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and paving equipment, actively engaged in road maintenance or repair tasks.
Also, construction workers wearing high-visibility clothing will be visible along the roadside, performing various duties such as directing traffic, operating equipment, or conducting manual labor.
Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution and be prepared to adjust your speed and driving behavior to ensure the safety of both yourself and the workers.
7. Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Throughout the work zone, temporary traffic control devices are deliberately placed to guide motorists safely through the construction area, so with this, you should know you are entering a work zone.
These traffic control devices may include barricades, traffic cones, delineators, and temporary signs, all designed to channel traffic and provide clear instructions to drivers.
They help to maintain order within the work zone, prevent collisions, and minimize confusion among motorists.
So, as a driver, you must pay close attention to these temporary markings and follow the designated traffic patterns to navigate through the construction zone without incident.
8. Pavement Conditions
As a motorist, another way to know that you’re entering a work zone is by pavement conditions.
As you enter the work zone, you may notice changes in the pavement surface or texture. These changes could include uneven road surfaces, rough patches, or freshly laid asphalt.
Pavement conditions may vary throughout the construction area due to ongoing roadwork activities, necessitating extra caution from you.
Uneven surfaces or loose gravel can affect your vehicle stability and handling, so reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance to avoid accidents or loss of control. It is never safe to over-speed in a work zone.
How Should a Motorist Drive in a Work Zone?
Here’s how a motorist should drive in a work zone:
- You Should Reduce Your Speed: As a motorist, once you approach a work zone, slow down and obey the posted speed limit. The essence of the speed limits is to account for narrowed lanes, uneven pavement, and the presence of workers and equipment. So, be prepared to adjust your speed as necessary to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and construction activities.
- You Should Follow Signs and Signals: Once you approach a work zone, you are expected to pay close attention to warning signs, traffic signals, and directional signs within the work zone. Follow any instructions provided by flaggers or other authorized personnel directing traffic.
- You Must Stay Alert: Once you’re in a work zone, keep your full attention on the road and remain vigilant for changing road conditions, lane closures, or unexpected obstacles. Avoid distractions such as using a cellphone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities that take your focus away from driving.
- You Must Merge Safely: Once you’re in a work zone, be prepared for lane closures or shifts in traffic patterns. Therefore, merge early and smoothly into the appropriate lane well before reaching the closure or merge point. Avoid last-minute lane changes, as they may disrupt the flow of traffic and increase the risk of accidents.
- Maintain Safe Following Distance: Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when traveling at reduced speeds. This extra space provides a buffer in case of sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
- Watch for Construction Workers and Equipment: While driving in a work zone, you must be aware of construction workers, equipment, and vehicles operating in the work zone. Keep a lookout for flaggers or other workers directing traffic and yield to them. Also, exercise caution when passing construction equipment and maintain a safe distance to avoid accidents.
- Expect the Unexpected: Work zones can be unpredictable environments with rapidly changing conditions. Be prepared for sudden stops, lane closures, or other unexpected events. Anticipate hazards and adjust your driving accordingly to stay safe.
- You Must Be Patient in a Work Zone: Work zones may cause delays and congestion, but it’s important to remain patient and courteous toward other drivers. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or weaving between lanes, which can increase the risk of accidents and endanger everyone on the road.
Work Zone Speed Limit
The speed limits in a work zone range from 25 to 55 miles per hour (40 to 88 kilometers per hour).
The speed limit can vary depending on the location, the nature of the construction activity, and the conditions within the work zone, and can be lower in certain situations.
So, as a motorist, you need to pay attention to the speed limit to be able to know the speed to drive to avoid being penalized or causing confusion or an accident.
Sometimes, work zone speed limits may be variable, meaning they can change based on the time of day, traffic volume, or specific construction activities.
If this is the case, the speed limit signs will be equipped with electronic messaging to communicate the current speed limit to drivers in real-time so that you don’t get confused.
Moreover, violating work zone speed limits can result in hefty fines, license points, or other penalties depending on the laws of your state of residence.
Sometimes, speeding fines may be doubled or tripled in work zones to discourage reckless driving and promote compliance with posted speed limits.
Conclusion
A motorist should know that he/she is entering a work zone because of a sign with a flashing arrow panel, diamond-shape orange cones, and the presence of a flagger.
It is left for you as a motorist to adjust your speed and follow the recommended speed limit provided for the work zone to avoid causing work zone collisions or accidents.
