Summer is road trip season. It’s also one of the busiest times of year for road construction. Across Kansas and beyond, crews are repairing highways, resurfacing streets, and improving infrastructure while families head out for vacations, weekend getaways, and everyday errands. Construction zones are designed to improve our roads, but they also create unique driving conditions that require extra attention. Narrow lanes, changing traffic patterns, reduced speed limits, and workers just a few feet away from moving vehicles can quickly turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation if drivers aren’t paying attention.
At Accident Recovery Team, we believe the best accident is the one that never happens. That’s why construction zone safety is an important part of our Summer of Safety campaign. Whether you’re commuting across town or traveling across the state, taking a few extra precautions can help keep you, your passengers, and roadside workers safe.
Why Summer Means More Construction
Warmer weather provides the ideal conditions for road repairs, bridge improvements, and infrastructure projects. Unfortunately, it also brings increased traffic. More vehicles on the road, combined with changing construction patterns, can lead to more crashes if drivers become distracted or impatient. According to transportation officials, the majority of construction zone crashes involve drivers and passengers, not construction workers. Many accidents occur because motorists are following too closely, speeding, or failing to adjust to changing traffic conditions. The good news? Most work zone crashes are completely preventable.
Tips for Driving Safely Through Construction Zones
Slow Down
Reduced speed limits aren’t there to inconvenience you. They’re there to protect everyone in the area. Road surfaces may be uneven, lanes may be narrower than normal, and workers may be operating equipment close to traffic. Driving even a few miles per hour slower gives you more time to react if traffic suddenly stops or conditions change.
Eliminate Distractions
Construction zones require your full attention. Put your phone away before you start driving, finish adjusting your GPS before entering the work zone, and keep your eyes on the road. Even a quick glance away can cause you to miss brake lights, lane shifts, or flaggers directing traffic.
Increase Your Following Distance
Traffic often slows unexpectedly in construction areas. Leaving extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead gives you more time to stop safely and helps reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, one of the most common types of crashes in work zones.
Watch for Changing Traffic Patterns
Construction projects can change from day to day. Lanes may shift, temporary barriers may appear, or traffic may merge with little warning. Pay close attention to orange signs, pavement markings, and flaggers directing traffic. Never assume today’s drive through a work zone will look exactly like yesterday’s.
Merge Early
When you see signs indicating that a lane is ending, begin preparing to merge safely rather than racing ahead to get one more car length. Aggressive merging creates unnecessary congestion and increases the chances of side-swipe accidents. Cooperating with other drivers helps traffic move more efficiently and safely.
Be Patient
Construction delays can be frustrating, especially when you’re running late. Remember that crews are working to improve the roads we all depend on. A few extra minutes spent driving carefully is far better than spending hours dealing with the aftermath of a crash.
Watch for More Than Just Construction Workers
Construction zones often include more than heavy equipment and road crews. You may encounter utility workers, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, survey crews, or maintenance vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. Staying alert helps protect everyone working to keep our roads safe and functional.
If You’re Involved in a Construction Zone Accident
Even when you’re driving carefully, accidents can still happen. Construction zone accidents can involve multiple factors, including traffic control devices, commercial vehicles, road conditions, and insurance companies. Having experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence. If you’re involved in a crash in or near a construction zone:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Move to a safe location if it’s possible to do so.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, construction signage, and any traffic control devices if you can do so safely.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some symptoms don’t appear immediately.
Join Our Summer of Safety Giveaway
At the Accident Recovery Team, our mission goes beyond helping people after an accident. We want to help prevent injuries before they happen. That’s why we’re excited to host our Summer of Safety Giveaway. This annual promotion is designed to encourage safe habits while giving community members the opportunity to win $500 each week to help make their summer more enjoyable and secure. Whether you’re spending your summer on the road, by the pool, at the lake, or enjoying outdoor adventures with family and friends, having the right safety equipment and resources can make a big difference. We encourage everyone to visit our Summer of Safety Giveaway page and enter for a chance to win.
We’re Here When You Need Us
No one plans to be involved in an accident, but if the unexpected happens, you don’t have to face it alone. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, whether in a construction zone or elsewhere, Accident Recovery Team is here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
