How to Drive Safely Through Muncie Road Construction
From the construction on Interstate 69 and the constant shoulder construction on side streets to the road closures for repairs and other improvements, construction consumes Muncie all year. Even on Ball State University’s campus, during the summer months, construction crews are all over the campus while students are gone for a few months.
After construction is over, everyone appreciates the work that has been done; however, while construction is in full swing, so is the grumbling by drivers. Even though road construction is burdensome, slowing down and being aware of your surroundings helps prevent car accidents, especially rear-end accidents.
But there are other ways road construction can create traffic safety hazards. The constant road closures add travel time, tempting some drivers to speed, and new routes can throw drivers off and result in sudden lane changes. The U.S. Department of Transportation found that over the past five years, more than 200,000 people have suffered injuries from a car accident in a work zone. Take some precautions this summer and use some of the following tips to drive safely through road construction.
Check for Closures
Local news sources such as the Muncie Star Press, media outlets, and radio stations report traffic and road closures often. Scroll through some of the traffic reports weekly to see if any construction could affect your morning commute.
Turn Around at a Good Location
Sometimes you don’t see a road is closed until you have already turned onto it. In these situations, the first instinct may be to reverse until you get back to the road you were on before. However, if you thought a road was open and turned onto it, most likely, someone else will too. Don’t risk backing into someone when you can turn into a parking lot or someone’s driveway to retrace your route. If you’re legally allowed to do so, you can make a safe U-turn instead of driving in reverse.
Stay in Your Lane
Driving on I-69 is hard — even when there aren’t tons of the potholes. People are slowing down and speeding up, so you always have to be aware of what the car in front of you is doing. If your patience is running thin, don’t be that person who tries to pass the traffic jam only to realize your lane is closed ahead. Go ahead and get back into the right lane and stay there until construction signs tell you otherwise.
Plan for Delays
Even if you know where the construction is, always allow extra time. Driving a new route can make people anxious rather than precautious. Allowing extra time with road closures is always a good idea.
Do not tailgate. Driving close to the car in front of you will not make you get anywhere faster or make them go any faster either. Be patient and follow cars at a safe distance.
Expect the Unexpected
Construction workers have a job to do. Yes, they are going to be cautious of you, but they have to get their work done. Expect trucks to come in and out of construction zones frequently. Expect workers to be slow, stop, or change lanes without warning. Always be prepared for anything in a construction zone.
Help from a Muncie Car Accident Lawyer
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration found that most fatal accidents in work zone crashes occur during the summer and fall. Be safe when out on the road by taking some of these precautions and other tips that the Federal Highway Administration recommends. If you happen to find yourself in a car accident, don’t hesitate to call the attorneys of Hensley Legal Group. Contact us online for a free consultation today.
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