Construction seems to be an inevitability whenever you’re driving anywhere, and I for one envy anyone who can drive more than half an hour without encountering a work zone on their way. When you drive through a work zone, you need to drive more safely than usual, because there’s a lot more at stake. Not only is the speed limit lower, but the road can be narrower or bumpier, and there are probably people on the highway. Here are our tips for driving safely in construction areas!

Always expect the unexpected. Just because you are trying to be a safe driver doesn’t mean that everyone else is as well. This means that you need to follow the rules to the letter and not let anyone else’s driving distract you!

Pay attention at all times. You’ll not only drive more safely, but you’ll actually see signs and flaggers the first time around and won’t be caught off guard by the work zone. If you do ignore a flagger, you can face the same fine you’d get for ignoring a sign. So pay attention!

Merge as soon as you see that a lane is closed ahead. If you wait until the last minute, you can hold up traffic and make other people angry, as well as getting frustrated yourself.

If there’s a reduced speed limit, start slowing down as soon as you see the signs. If you are going 60, you’re moving at about 88 feet per second. If there is a work zone in 1500 feet, then you will get there in about 17 seconds if you’re going 60. Slow down!

Never tailgate to begin with, but when you’re going through a work zone you especially should not tailgate. Because everyone’s driving is unpredictable, you should keep your distance.

Stay in the center of your lane at all times. This is part of paying attention, and it helps you make sure you don’t hit a barrier or anything else. I’ll just say it again, pay attention!!!

The final thing is that the work zone is not over until the signs say it is. Even if you don’t see any work, don’t speed up until the signs say the work zone has ended. You can still get an expensive ticket!