Construction zones provide unique driving challenges

Whether it's "construction season" or not, drivers today can encounter roadwork at any time of the day or night. Worse, construction zones aren't always clearly marked.

That means defensive drivers are always ready when they come across evidence of road construction:

• Orange construction signs
• Barricades
• Survey parties
• Road maintenance vehicles
• Heavy equipment entering or leaving the road or changing lanes

Defensive driving in a construction zone starts with driving at the posted speed. Speeding in work areas can take its toll in several ways. It's the leading hazard for road construction workers, many of whom are protected from oncoming traffic only by plastic cones or drums. In addition, rocks and other debris that can be kicked up by passing vehicles become even more dangerous to workers, your car, and other nearby vehicles the faster you drive.

Drivers who don't drive at the posted speed or follow flaggers and signs risk heavy fines and possible imprisonment.

Defensive driving in a construction zone also means:

• Staying alert for warning signs and following them
• Watching for workers and small construction vehicles that may not be protected by barricades or signs
• Following construction zone "flaggers" who direct traffic through the area

Safety in a construction zone also means staying alert for bypass lanes, detours and new traffic patterns.

Temporary bypass lanes can be uneven, rough and full of potholes. Mud from construction vehicles can leave the roadway slippery. Add to it slow–moving construction traffic entering and leaving the lanes, and it's a recipe for disaster.

If bypass lanes aren't available and the road needs to be closed to through traffic, signs often will direct motorists on a detour. These routes can use secondary roadways, rough county roads, or even residential streets, and when they're marked, it's usually with temporary signs that may be harder to see than permanent road signs.

Safe drivers will use extra caution, avoid passing other vehicles, and keep their attitude positive and their frustration level under control.

At Allstate, we want to not only provide the insurance coverage that helps protect your people and property, but to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're backed by a team of Loss Control Consultants who understand your business and can help you prevent a loss before it happens.

That's why we've created the Allstate Safety Line at 800-877-6998, where Loss Control Consultants personally help small–business owners learn more about:

Just call us anytime with your contact information and briefly describe your question or issue. If a trained Loss Control Specialist isn't immediately available, one will call you back by the end of the next business day.