Driving Through Construction Zones
A safety talk focused on driving through construction zones, including reduced speed, lane shifts, workers on foot, equipment movement, cones, signs, distractions, and following temporary traffic control.
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Key Hazards
- Workers struck by vehicles traveling through work zones
- Drivers missing signs, cones, flaggers, or lane shifts
- Rear-end crashes from sudden slowing or stopping
- Equipment entering or crossing the roadway
- Distracted driving in changing traffic patterns
- Reduced lane width, poor shoulders, or uneven pavement
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Construction zones require full driver attention because traffic patterns, lane widths, workers, and equipment can change quickly.
Drivers should slow down before entering the work zone, not after they are already in the lane shift or near workers.
Temporary traffic control devices should be followed. Signs, cones, barrels, barricades, arrow boards, flaggers, and lane markings are there to guide safe movement.
Workers and equipment may be close to travel lanes. Drivers should expect people, trucks, loaders, cranes, and other equipment to enter or leave the work area.
Following distance should be increased because traffic may stop suddenly and road surfaces may be uneven.
Distractions should be eliminated before entering the work zone. Phones, radios, navigation systems, food, and paperwork can wait.
Drivers should avoid sudden lane changes, aggressive passing, tailgating, or cutting into gaps near work zones.
Safe construction zone driving depends on slowing down, watching signs and workers, allowing extra space, staying patient, and expecting conditions to change.
Safety Reminders
- Slow down before entering construction zones.
- Follow signs, cones, flaggers, and arrow boards.
- Increase following distance.
- Watch for workers and equipment near travel lanes.
- Avoid distractions while driving through the zone.
- Do not make sudden lane changes or aggressive passes.
- Expect road surfaces and traffic patterns to change.
Ask the Crew
- What traffic control devices are guiding the route?
- Are workers or equipment close to the travel lane?
- Has speed been reduced before entering the work zone?
- Is following distance adequate?
- What distractions need to be eliminated before entering the zone?