The more time you spend on the roads throughout the state of New Jersey, the more you’ll realize that there’s no avoiding construction zones.
When you find yourself driving through a construction zone, it’s critical that you make a few key changes to enhance your safety and that of everyone around you. Here are some things you should do:
- Slow down: Take note of the posted speed limit and slow down accordingly. Doing so reduces the risk of an accident, while also avoiding a costly speeding ticket.
- Stay alert: You never know what you’ll come across in a construction zone, from a flagger to barrels that are a bit too close to the road. When you’re alert, you’re able to adjust on the fly.
- Use your headlights: Even if you’re not instructed to do so, it’s a good safety habit to get into. Your headlights make it easier for workers to see you, especially in darker conditions.
- Maintain a safe following distance: In construction zones, you’re more likely to come to an abrupt stop. If you don’t leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of yours, you could cause a rear-end accident.
With so many vehicles and workers in a tight space, construction zone accidents have the potential to result in damage to multiple vehicles, serious injuries and even death.
If you’re the victim in a construction zone traffic accident, find a safe place to pull over and then call for help. You don’t want to get out of your car, as you’re likely to be parked close to moving traffic. Call for help and wait for it to arrive before doing anything.
As time allows, take steps to protect your legal rights by holding the negligent driver responsible for causing your injuries.