SPONSORED: Toyota tips for driving in a construction zone

No matter where your day-to-day commute may take you, there’s always a chance you’re going to run into a construction zone out on the road. Driving in these areas can be a bit more challenging as there are different rules that apply and different drive time habits to adopt. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with a simple guide to driving in construction zones to help you safely navigate them.

8 N Charlotte Toyota tips for navigating construction zones

Tip #1: Be ready for anything.

Driving in a construction zone can throw new challenges your way so you should be ready for anything. This means putting your best defensive driving skills to use and ensuring you’re paying close attention to your surroundings. Defensive driving can help you avoid an accident ahead of time instead of reacting to it as it’s happening to you.

Tip #2: Slow down.

You’ll likely have to reduce your speed anyway when driving in a construction zone as the speed limit is usually lower for everyone’s safety, but you should slow down anyway. Traveling at a lower speed gives you extra time to react, come to a stop, and get out of the way of hazards. Pus, speeding fines are usually doubled or even tripled in construction zones.

Tip #3: Watch the road signs.

Pay close attention to the road signs in construction zones. They’ll alert you to things like the new speed limit, merges, lane changes, flaggers, and any other changes you need to be aware of.

Tip #4: Obey the flagger.

The flaggers are there to direct traffic and help you safely navigate the construction zone. Pay attention to them and obey their commands - if you ignore them, you’re putting yourself, them, and other drivers in the zone at risk of an accident.

Tip #5: Don’t engage in distracted driving.

Anything can happen in a construction zone, so don’t engage in distracted driving! Don’t fiddle with the radio or eat, and put your phone away. You should keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.

Tip #6: Follow through to the end of the zone.

It may be tempting to speed up when you see the end of the zone in sight, but don’t! You need to obey all rules of the construction zone until you’re well clear of it.

Tip #7: Don’t drive aggressively.

Construction zones can cause delays and slow your commute down, but don’t give in to the temptation to speed or drive aggressively (in or out of them). This only puts you at a higher risk for an accident or collision - use your best safe driving practices. 

Tip #8: Remember the “take 10” method.

When you’re changing lanes, use the “take 10” method. You should use three seconds to signal with your turn signal, and then use the remaining seven to slowly make your way into the next lane. This gives other drivers plenty of time to notice your movements and react accordingly.

Call Toyota of N Charlotte with questions today

Have questions? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today! We’re happy to help - you can reach us seven days a week at (704) 875-9199.