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Washington, DC 20590
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FHWA Home / Safety / Work Zone Safety for Drivers

Work Zone Safety for Drivers

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Picture of a construction zone on a bridge

This brochure provides information to drivers on work zone safety.

Creating Safer Work Zones:
Improving Operations on Both Sides of the Barrel

Facts

Safety Tips for the Driver

Remember these driving tips to avoid "A Sudden Change in Plans" and perhaps save a lifeincluding your own!

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

Keep Your Headlights On

Pay Attention to the Road

Merge into the Proper Lane

Don't tailgate

Obey the Posted Speed Limit

Change Lanes Safely

Follow Instructions from Flaggers

Expect the Unexpected

Be Patient


Listen to the signs.

Road Work Ahead sign
Road work is just ahead. Be prepared for unusual driving conditions.

Two Way sign
Traffic is traveling in both directions on a roadway that is normally one way. Be alert for oncoming traffic.

PilotCar Follow Me sign
Traffic needs to follow this vehicle to get safely through the work zone.

Merge sign
A lane is about to end, requiring you to merge into the adjacent lane. The "bent" lane shows which lane is ending.

Flag Man sign
A flagger is ahead. Be prepared to stop and/or follow instructions.

Detour sign
You will need to take an alternate route soon.

End Road Work sign
You have reached the end of the work zone. Resume normal, safe driving.


Most Common Types of Crashes by Work Zone Area

diagram of cars near workzone: 4 areas; Advance warning area-tells traffic what to expect, transition area-moves traffic out of path, Activity area-where work takes place, and Termination area-traffic resumes normal operations

Problem:

A driver in clear weather during mid-afternoon comes upon slow or stopped traffic due to a work zone and crashes into another vehicle, or in the process of avoiding such, crashes into a barrier, equipment or pedestrian.

Solution:

Follow the "Safety Tips"

Drive Smart:

Buckle Up, Slow Down, Save a Life

FHWA-SA-03-012

Page last modified on December 10, 2014
Safe Roads for a Safer Future - Investment in roadway safety saves lives
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000