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​What to Know When Driving Through a Work Zone​

by Erie Insurance on April 15, 2024

Who hasn’t been zipping along when all of a sudden traffic slows to a halt?

When it does, you can bet on one of two things: There was an accident or there’s construction.

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What To Do in a Work Zone

Road work is often the culprit in the warmer months. You probably already know that it’s important to stay at or below the posted limits when you’re in a work zone, not to mention, many states will ticket you for speeding in a construction zone. Yet there are a few other tips worth keeping in mind in order to keep you, your car and workers safe when you’re driving through a work zone.

  • Check ahead for delays. Visit your state’s department of transportation website or tune into a radio station that reports on the traffic to get a head’s up on expected delays. You can then consider avoiding a work zone by getting the scoop and mapping out a different route before you leave home.
  • Reduce distractions. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t be driving distracted or playing on your phone. Extra attention is needed when driving through a work zone, so lower the radio or turn it off altogether.
  • Merge when it's safe. When traffic is moving at highway speeds and there aren't backups, it makes sense to move sooner to the lane that will remain open. Otherwise, many states recommend drivers merge alternately into the lane, or in a "zipper fashion." Research what’s appropriate where you are before driving.
  • Leave lots of room between vehicles. You should be able to count out at least two seconds from when the car in front of you passes an object and when you do.
  • Never pass on the shoulder or drive across the median. This puts workers in danger—and is often illegal.
  • Keep your cool when it comes to tailgaters. No one likes a tailgater. If you get one behind you, resist the urge to lay on the brakes. Instead, pull over and let the speed demon pass. If that’s not possible (or you’re just plain not willing to pull over), turn your headlights on and off a few times to warn the tailgater. At night, it’s okay to give your brakes a light tap.

You never know how long it can take to make it through a work zone. So do your best to relax and to stay alert until you’re in the clear.

Unfortunately, accidents do happen in work zones. Having the right auto insurance coverage can make all the difference when you need it. A local Erie Insurance agent can help you review your policy or get an auto insurance quote. 

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ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time. 

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. 

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.