Work Zone Driving Hazards
Work zones or construction zones are some of the most risky locations on any road. In the United States, a crash occurs in a work zone every 5 to 6 minutes. These crashes result in dozens of serious injuries every day and multiple fatalities each week. This course will identify why work zones are hazardous and describe strategies to reduce your risk of a crash in a work zone.
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Learning Objectives
• Identify characteristics of a work zone • Identify why work zones are hazardous • Describe strategies to reduce your risk of a crash in a work zone
Specs
Course Level | Intermediate |
Languages | English |
Compatibility | Audio, Video |
Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What is a work zone?
A work zone or construction zone can be described as an area of roadway undergoing highway construction or road maintenance.
Why are work zones so hazardous?
Many of the crashes that occur in work zones are the result of changed traffic patterns, unexpected construction personnel in the road, moved lane markings, and unexpected reductions in speed.
What should your following distance be in a work zone?
If you normally give yourself a 3 second following distance, you should increase your following distance to 6 to 7 seconds in a work zone.
Sample Video Transcript
So why are work zones so hazardous? Many of the crashes that occur in work zones are the result of changed traffic patterns, unexpected construction personnel in the road, moved lane markings, and unexpected reductions in speed. Here is a scenario where you are driving in work zone. What clues do you see that indicate potential hazards? In this scenario, you should first notice the warning signs indicating you are entering a work zone. Second, you should notice the sign indicating your travel lane is ending. This is your second clue of a potential hazard, and at this point you should slow down and change lanes. Even though it is dark, you should also notice the vehicles in front of you are changing lanes. This is your third clue there is a hazard ahead. The combination of these warning signs should indicate a hazard in your lane ahead and you should take precautions by slowing down and changing lanes.
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