Work zone safety is important for your well-being, as well as your passengers, other drivers and workers in the work zone. No matter the experience you have behind the wheel, the following work zone safety tips and information are important to understand.
Road construction is common throughout the state of Indiana. We know road construction in Indiana is ongoing, which is why you must be patient and stay on high alert while driving through these work zones.
What is considered a work zone?
A work zone is an area where there is roadwork taking place. These work zones include lane closures, detours and moving equipment. Before entering a work zone on the road there is precautionary signage. This is to alert drivers that they need to slow down, drive with caution and pay close attention while driving through the approaching work zone.
What are the most common problems that occur when driving through work zones?
Speeding is one of the most common problems that occurs when drivers are in a work zone. Speed limits are reduced in work zones and drivers often get impatient or careless, which results in driving above the posted speed limit.
Another common problem that occurs while driving through a work zone is distracting driving. There can be many hazards in a work zone, such as moving equipment, traffic pattern shifts and lane changes. You must pay close attention to all of these and focus on the road ahead.
This means you want to eliminate all distractions while driving, especially in a work zone. Stay safe while driving through a work zone and the open road by following these distracted driving safety tips.
How fast can I go in a work zone?
Depending on where the work zone is located the speed limit in a work zone can be significantly lower than the speed limit on the regular road. Before entering a work zone, notice what the posted speed limit is in the work zone. Abide by the law and do not exceed that speed.
What are the penalties for driving dangerously through a work zone in Indiana?
According to IN.gov, there are extreme penalties for driving infractions within worksite zones. Depending on the number of citations an individual receives, here is a list of the penalties:
- For those caught speeding in a work site for the first time, the penalty results in a $300 fine.
- The second offense for speeding in a work site increases to a $500 penalty.
- The third offense for speeding in a work site within a three-year period includes a $1,000 fine.
- Drivers who operate vehicles recklessly and/or aggressively through a work zone will increase the fine to $5,000.
- For drivers who injure or kill a highway construction worker, they could end up paying a $10,000 fine and serve up to six years in jail.
INDOT emphasizes the need to be safe in work zones
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) knows that work zones can be inconvenient, but INDOT stresses the need for safety measures to be taken to keep drivers, passengers and work zone employees safe from accidents.
INDOT states that it is drivers’ civic duty to practice safe driving in work zone areas to keep everyone as safe as possible. According to INDOT, there were 14 fatalities and 650 injuries in Indiana work zones in 2018 alone. The most common cases noted by police included following too closely, driver inattention, unsafe speed, unsafe lane movement, among others.
To help educate drivers, INDOT has created a highway work zone awareness video to help educate drivers on what to be aware of while driving through work zones.
The need for auto insurance
Did you know that car insurance is mandatory in the state of Indiana? That means that if you are operating a vehicle on the roadways, you must have insurance for it.
Because auto insurance is a requirement, you will want to make sure you choose your car insurance wisely. Begin the process by requesting a free car insurance quote online from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. You can purchase online or get in touch with one of our trusted insurance agents to help with your quote, answer questions, or provide you with information regarding coverage options.
Protect yourself and those around you by following these safety tips while driving through a work zone.
*The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only.