Especially when going on holiday from Johannesburg to Durban or Cape Town, you’ll notice how many road construction and maintenance projects are on the go. Many road fatalities occur each year because of road construction or maintenance. 1
Here’s what you need to know about roadworks –
- The dangers of road construction areas
These areas, also known as ‘cone zones,’ can be deadly to motorists and workers. Drivers become impatient when, after driving at high speed for several hours, they must follow some slow-moving vehicles. The signs are there to provide adequate warning to motorists and ensure your safety. Make sure to follow the signs!1
- What causes deaths and injuries at cone zones?
High-speed travelling is the primary killer. Inadequate signage may fail to warn motorists about the zones, or drivers just don’t notice them1. Distractions are another cause when drivers are on their cell phones or tuning the radio. Finally, as lanes merge, some motorists accelerate but fail to squeeze in at the last second.
- National awareness projects
Educating the public on how to approach cone zones will go a long way toward minimizing death and injuries. In addition, zero-tolerance law enforcement is crucial to maintaining road safety1.
- Minimizing construction zones
The less these zones occur, the better for everyone. But unfortunately, they are unavoidable at times. So, a great help to motorists would be for the Government to inform the public about the location of these zones. This will enable motorists to plan their trips accordingly1.
Read on further about driver safety tips for roadworks and construction areas.
- Slow down and drive with caution
Slow down as soon as you notice signs warning you of a construction zone lying ahead. Be alert to follow instructions and resume your legal speed once a sign alerts you that you’ve left the zone1. Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility if the light or weather warrants it1. Be aware of sudden changes in instructions, as any zone can be unpredictable1. Whatever changes you need to make while driving, always do it slowly with an adequate warning using indicators. This gives other motorists enough time to process your next move.
- Keep a safe following distance
Be prepared that vehicles in front of you can suddenly stop, so avoid the usual rear-end collision at these zones. Instead, keep flowing with the traffic while obeying the person waving the flag1. Never try and squeeze into a lane just before the merging ends, as it could result tragically.
- Beware of uneven surfaces
When the construction crew are adding a new tarmac surface, the left tyres may be at a lower level compared to the right tyres. So be careful not to destabilize the car because of the raised tarmac edge.
- Finally, change your attitude if needed
Roadworkers are not there to delay your journey but to ensure your safety. Imagine if they didn’t improve the road? Ultimately, it would make your trip much longer and more dangerous.
Next time you approach roadworks, you’ll be more prepared. But will your car be adequately covered if an impatient driver crashes into you? If you need more information, contact PMD, who will be glad to assist you and inform you of their affordable car insurance products with unique benefits like fixed premiums* and excess that reduces to zero* together with world-class service.
* T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://www.arrivealive.mobi/road-safety-near-construction-zones-roadworks
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
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