Practice Safe Driving in Work Zones
Summer in Reno. The season of Artown, Aces games, floating the Truckee, concerts in the park, and road construction – lots and lots of road construction. If you’ve been driving around town this summer, you have no doubt seen many a detour sign, road closed warning, changing traffic patterns, and motorists driving faster or more carelessly than they should.
On average more than 40,000 injuries occur each year in highway work zone-related crashes. And those using a mobile device in a work zone are four times more likely to be involved in a car crash.1 Did you know that car accidents in construction zones account for as much as 60 percent of all traffic delays?2 It’s accidents, not volume of traffic that create the majority of delays.
Here is a list of some of the more major road construction zones in Reno:
In Reno, we have major road construction on South Virginia between Plumb and Liberty due to the Midtown road improvement project. There are many detours and changing traffic patterns on this stretch of road so stay alert – but don’t forget to still support your local midtown businesses!
Additionally, there are several neighborhoods off Arlington that are being affected by heavy construction and road closures due to underground infrastructure improvements. There are many one-way streets in these neighborhoods, so be alert to detour signs.
In the Damonte Ranch area there is heavy home and retail construction, so be aware of increased large truck presence and heavy equipment. Roads are also being widened in these neighborhoods in anticipation of heavier traffic with increased populations.
Freeway construction is an ever-present reality in the summer so be especially aware of cone zones and decreased speed signs on I-80 and I-580 throughout these hotter months.
When you are in a construction zone, it is important to follow these 5 tips to help you avoid a car accident.
- Watch your speed. Construction zones almost always have a 10 to 15-mile speed decrease and if you’re caught speeding, it can mean big fines and negatively impact your insurance costs.
- Leave a safe distance. Traffic patterns can change and squeeze lanes, resulting in quick slowdowns or unexpected stops. Keeping a safe distance will help avoid a rear end accident or multi car pileup.
- Plan an alternative route. If you can avoid construction zones on your commute, do it. Plan ahead and check for road closures or construction zones before leaving or use an app like Waze to help you navigate around construction zones, accidents, and rush hour traffic.
- Don’t change lanes in a construction zone. Once in a construction zone, try and maintain your lane. Changing lanes when traffic is squeezed or patterns have changed is dangerous and creates unnecessary hazards for you and your fellow drivers.
- As always, stay off your phone. Don’t text and drive and only use a hands-free device when talking and driving. Mobile phones are a leading cause of distracted driving and car accidents.
If you find yourself in a car accident and have suffered injury or property damage, contact Matt Dion for a free consultation. He will help you determine if you have a claim and how best to pursue compensation.
1. N.J. Medeiros-Ward, “The Science of Distracted Driving,” Car-Talk Blog, Utah Applied Cognition Laboratory
2.Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association
