Nails, Glass and Debris
Construction is a messy industry. No surprise there. Be careful when you are driving through a construction zone that you are not swerving or moving too quickly, otherwise your tires may catch some of the debris from building materials. Be sure you are driving slowly through these construction zones and if you do hear that tell-tale “pop!” be sure to pull over quickly.
Industrial Vehicles
Construction vehicles, like dump trucks and bulldozers, are great for the site but they don’t have the best range of motion or the best peripheral mirrors. While workers are trained for this kind of work, trying to navigate tons of building materials in or around traffic is no easy task. So if you see an industrial vehicle trying to get into reverse or trying to move through traffic, give them the right of way. You might be late for work or don’t want to get stuck behind them but trying to out-drive a vehicle that is 4 times the size of your car will not work out in your favor. Be smart and look around when you are driving through construction zones.
Wiring and Hoses
For road work to be completed, construction companies have to be prepared for a number of variables. They could hit a water maine. They could hit a gas line. They could mismeasure and have to start from the beginning. This is why construction often takes so long, because it is so important to be precise and to only have to do the project once. In order to deal with any potential hazards, workers use hoses, wires and cables in order to get electricity to power tools, get rid of waste and to redirect water lines. In order to make their project as non-invasive as possible, contractors need these tools. And in order to protect these tools, they should be using cable and hose protectors. This way, cars and industrial vehicles can move over the hose and cables without damage or disruption.
Employees
Construction is one of the most dangerous professions to be a part of because of falls, equipment failure and other accidents. When you are driving through road construction zones be extremely careful to look for employees. Hopefully they are wearing protective gear like hard hats and reflective clothing, especially at night, but there are a number of extenuating circumstances that may cause an employee to accidently fall into the street or to drop a tool. Be cautious and be aware of others around you.