When you drive through a construction zone, you should:
Stop to watch the workers.
Decrease your following distance.
Pass the construction zone carefully and not “rubberneck.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Pass the construction zone carefully and not “rubberneck.”
Explanation:
When driving through a construction zone, safety is the top priority—not only for the construction workers but also for drivers and passengers. Construction zones are often high-risk areas due to reduced lanes, workers, equipment, and sometimes unpredictable traffic patterns. It’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Avoid stopping to watch workers: Stopping to watch the workers, or “rubbernecking,” is dangerous because it distracts you from the road ahead. It also causes unnecessary delays, disrupts traffic flow, and could lead to accidents if drivers behind you don’t anticipate your sudden stop.
- Decrease your following distance: This is incorrect advice. In fact, you should increase your following distance in a construction zone. This gives you more time to react to unexpected situations, like sudden stops or lane changes. Reducing your following distance makes it harder to stop in time and can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Pass the construction zone carefully: The most important thing is to drive cautiously. Follow posted speed limits (which are usually reduced in construction zones) and be prepared to slow down further if necessary. Workers may be near the road, and their safety is paramount. Maintain focus on the road, and avoid distractions like using a phone or engaging in conversation that takes your attention off driving. Also, watch for any signs or signals from flaggers or workers that might direct you to adjust your speed or lane position.
By passing through the construction zone carefully, you help ensure the safety of everyone involved—workers, drivers, and passengers—while also preventing accidents and delays in construction projects.