Traveling safely, slowly and attentively through work zones is critically important, particularly when around a commercial motor vehicles (CMV). These large trucks and buses have limited maneuverability and large blind spots, both of which make operating in these areas more challenging for them. In fact, large trucks are overrepresented in fatal work zone crashes.
Do your part to stay safe with tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s Our Roads, Our Safety campaign:
Research Your Route: Before setting out on the road, research your route. When possible, avoid work zones and use any detours that are available.
Pay Attention: Be aware of all signs throughout work zones that can indicate reduced speeds, lane changes and other important information. Avoid distractions such as your cellphone, eating, drinking, the radio, GPS and conversing with other passengers.
Slow Down: Lane closures, traffic pattern shifts and reduced speeds are common in work zones. Make sure to slow down when entering a work zone and keep an eye out for road workers.
Move Into The Open Lane: When approaching lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible. Be sure to pay close attention to vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot, and ensure you’re not traveling in someone else’s.
Keep Your Distance: Rear-end crashes are extremely common in work zones. Always maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
For more information on driving safely around large trucks and buses, visit www.ShareTheRoadSafely.gov and for more on work zone safety, visit workzonesafety.org.
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