In the Zone

Construction on federally funded projects will add to highway work areas this spring and summer.

Slowing down, paying attention to signs and watching for workers and equipment will help you drive safely through construction areas

By Max Kvidera

As summer approaches, the highway construction season — marked by lime-colored vests, hard hats, orange traffic cones, heavy equipment and flashing lights — is already under way. This year promises to be busier than ever as state and county road departments and construction contractors gear up to complete infrastructure jobs financed by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

Knowing how to safely maneuver through highway construction projects will help save you or your company time and money and avoid accidents. Negotiating highway construction zones requires planning, patience and awareness, drivers and trucking safety experts say.

“It’s an important topic,” says Tom DiSalvi, director of loss prevention at Schneider National. The carrier covers the topic in initial driver orientation and refresher training with its experienced operators. The company utilizes posters, newsletters and discussions among the fleet manager and drivers.