Construction Safety 101
There’s one surefire thing you can bet on: At any given time, some part of nearly 315,000 miles of Texas public road is under construction. An influx of new neighbors and aging, well-worn infrastructure are two key reasons we continually see construction on roads like Interstate 35 and Interstate 45.
Construction zones can be dangerous for both drivers and workers. In 2023, there were more than 26,000 crashes that resulted in 190 deaths in work zones throughout the state, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
While construction is here to stay, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when driving in a construction zone.
Know the Rules of the Road
- Stay alert. Nearly anything can happen when driving in a construction zone, from machinery merging with regular traffic to distracted drivers veering into your lane. Stay focused on the roadway and what’s going on around you. Ignore any travel apps that may be recalibrating.
- Obey the signs — and speed limit. Slow down and look for orange-and-black construction signs to understand what’s ahead.
- Use turn signals and headlights. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it also helps construction workers see your vehicle. Also, it’s a good idea to merge early (if you can) before the end of the lane closure.
- Give yourself some space. You may need to stop at any moment. To avoid an unwanted crash, avoid tailgating the vehicle in front of you.
- Stay in your lane. Looking for a seemingly better path is tempting, but avoiding lane changes can help traffic flow better.
How to Avoid Construction Traffic
- Use navigation apps. Most navigation apps give insight into traffic and offer alternate routes. Google Maps helps with planning your route, paying close attention to congested areas; Waze highlights road hazards while showing the fastest route.
- Know what’s under construction. TxDOT’s “Project Tracker” tool gives a deeper look at construction projects throughout the state. Get weekly updates and view projects by highway, TxDOT district, or legislative district.
- Drive during “off” hours. Plan your trip outside of peak times, like rush hour. There will be fewer vehicles on the road, making your drive less stressful.
- Be patient. Sometimes, it’s not possible to completely avoid traffic. Patience can manifest in many forms, from leaving early in anticipation of setbacks to taking a deep breath and resigning yourself to waiting.
Before you hit the road, brush up on auto insurance FAQs to make sure you have the coverage you need. When in doubt, reach out to your Agent!
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