Work & Construction Zone Driving Safety Tips

By Mark Winters, Driver Trainer Coordinator

Imagine that you, your family, or close friends are all workers in every work and construction zone you encounter. How would you drive your truck then?

With summer upon us, Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI),  wanted to provide truck drivers with a friendly reminder on how to drive safely through work zones.

One way to be sure you are keeping construction and road workers around your truck safe is to utilize the Smith System Key outlined below By following these tips, you’ll better protect yourself and those around you while on the road.

Key 1: Aim High in Steering

• Pay attention to the orange diamond-shaped warning signs or electronic message boards posted in advance of a road construction project.
• Read and heed directions on work zone signs. Signs and flaggers save lives.
• Watch for stopped or slowing traffic.

Key 2: Get the Big Picture

• Keep an eye out for construction workers, their equipment and vehicles, and the vehicles around you.
• Stay alert. Dedicate your full attention to driving.
•  Be aware of overhead hazards.

Key 3: Keep Your Eyes Moving

• Scan your eyes back and forth to update the “Big Picture.”
• Check all areas of the work zone.
• See and analyze.

Key 4: Leave Yourself an Out

• Minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations, using a cell phone, dashboard dining, etc. while driving in a work zone.
• Drive carefully and slow down through the construction site. Always obey the posted speed limits in the work zone area. Increase your following distance.
•  Expect the unexpected. Anticipate potential dangers.

Key 5: Make Sure They See You

•  Communicate your intentions in a timely fashion.
• Use appropriate hand gestures and signals to confirm other people’s intentions.
• Make sure to see and be seen.

By following and utilizing the Smith System Keys, driving through a construction work zone will be a more relaxing and safe experience.

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From digging into our culture of speed to helping truck drivers stay safe in winter, DTI prioritizes truck driver safety in all that we do.
If you’d like to work for a transportation company that values safe drivers, check out our open driver positions today or fill out the short form below!