Tips for Surviving Road Construction Delays this Summer
(ARA) - Chances are you’ve heard the old joke “there are two seasons around here -- winter and road construction.” It seems like no matter where you live, or where you drive during the summer months, you can’t avoid construction zones.

While driving delays can be frustrating, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that safety comes first in a construction zone. “Highway construction is necessary to eliminate unsafe road conditions, relieve congestion and to help with the free flow of goods and services that generates more than $64 billion in economic growth each year,” notes Dennis Day, executive director for public affairs for Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

But work zones are increasingly dangerous. Work zone fatalities increased nationwide by 53 percent between 1998 and 2002, according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data. And surprisingly, four out of five people killed were either drivers or passengers. “We want motorists to protect themselves as well as those working in highway construction zones,” says Day.

“Every effort is made to minimize the impact of construction activities on motorists,” says Day. However, that doesn’t mean that motorists can drive through a work zone as if it is the same as the open road. “Slow down, be alert and the road will be safer for both you as a driver, and the workers who are there to make your future ride better,” he adds.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration offers the following tips for work zone safety.

* Stay alert and pay attention to the roadway, signs and work zone flaggers

* Turn on headlights so workers and other drivers can see you

* Don’t tailgate or speed, and always slow to the posted limits, even if workers are not immediately visible

* Never change lanes in work zones

* Minimize distractions in vehicles such as cellular phones and onboard navigation systems

* Always expect the unexpected in a roadway work zone

* Be patient and stay calm

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association, founded in 1918. AGC represents more than 35,000 firms, including 7,500 of America's leading general contractors, and 12,000 specialty-contracting firms. More than 14,000 service providers and suppliers are also associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content