If You Do Not See Workers in a Work Zone, You Could Be in Serious Trouble

Responsible driving in a work zone is very important, not only to keep your car insurance affordable but to keep the workers fixing the roads safe.

Just as your loved ones want you to get home safely, the workers maintaining roads and bridges also have family and friends to return to. So, you should always practice safe driving techniques, particularly in work zones, and do your best to avoid hitting any unseen workers.

You may currently have low rates with your car insurance company, but if you injure workers in a work zone due to distracted driving, you should expect to pay a rate increase on top of other legal fines you may face.

Keep reading to learn how you can keep yourself and others safe while driving through a work zone.

If you do not see workers in a work zone and get into a crash, your rates could increase. Enter your ZIP code to get free insurance quotes that can work with your budget no matter what happens.

What is a work zone?

A work zone is an area on a public road where maintenance or construction is taking place. Orange and black signs — along with flashing lights — typically designate the start of a work zone, but you can also expect to see cones blocking off entire lanes, larger barriers blocking the shoulder of a highway, and even moving utility vehicles.

It is important to recognize that in work zones, construction vehicles are usually operating and may not always be pulled off to the side. For example, if a vehicle is repainting lines on a street and you are behind that vehicle, you are still considered to be in a work zone.

What causes accidents in a work zone?

Distracted drivers cause the most accidents in a work zone. So, if you are driving in work zones you should limit any in-car distractions.

Do not attempt to use your cellphone, even if you think you are moving too slowly to cause any harm. Don’t eat food or engage in any other activity that would take your eyes off the road.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can keep yourself and others safe when driving through a work zone.

How Drivers Can Stay Safe in Work Zones

So, you’ve entered a work zone, but you can’t see any workers. Is it safe for you to drive at full speed?

No, it isn’t. When driving through a work zone, you should slow down, make sure that your headlights are turned on, and then, if there’s a car in front of you, double the distance between you and that vehicle. Not only will this help you reduce your chances of getting into a rear-end collision if the other driver slams on the brakes, but you’ll also have time to react if a construction worker were to suddenly appear.

Read more: How to Avoid Being Involved in a Work Zone Crash

What happens if a driver gets a ticket in a work zone?

Will a moving violation ticket affect car insurance rates?

It certainly can, and while every state makes its own rules regarding traffic laws in work zones, if you were, let’s say, speeding through a work zone, you can expect to pay some hefty fines on top of the speeding ticket you get. If you need another reason to follow the speed limit, just take a look at how much moving violations can raise insurance rates:

Car Insurance Companies Driving History Costs: Monthly Average Rates

As evident by the data above, you can end up facing consequences that could put a serious strain on your bank account no matter where you buy car insurance if you do not see workers in a work zone and hurt someone while driving or speeding through it.

How can drivers reduce the cost of insurance?

If you’ve picked up a speeding ticket or two and are watching your insurance rates tick up, don’t fret. Most insurance companies provide several discounts that can help you reduce your rates to an affordable level. Below is a chart that illustrates some of the discounts offered by top insurance companies:

Imported from Manual Input

Of course, if your insurance is too high even after discounts, you may want to consider shopping for a new insurance company online.

Why Drivers Should Shop Online for Insurance

Drivers have an immense amount of flexibility when it comes to online insurance shopping. For example, you aren’t chained by the constraints of a business’ hours of operation. As long as you have internet access, you can find a great insurance company for your needs while you’re out getting coffee or when you’re snuggled up in bed.

Now, you will have to share some information about yourself to get an accurate quote. Be prepared to give your name, address, age, gender, marital status, and driver’s license number whenever you request a quote. You should also request between three to five quotes to ensure that you are picking the best policy for you.

Case Studies: Ensuring Safety in Work Zones

Case Study 1: Mitigating Distractions and Enhancing Safety in Work Zones

The involvement of John in a rear-end collision within a work zone, despite the absence of workers, highlights the importance of maintaining focus and attentiveness while driving. As a consequence of this incident, John incurred fines, penalties, and experienced an increase in his insurance rates. It is crucial to remain fully engaged in order to prevent accidents and their associated repercussions.

Case Study 2: The Adverse Effects of Speeding in Work Zones

Sarah’s decision to accelerate through a work zone due to a sense of urgency resulted in an issued ticket, substantial fines, and an escalation in her insurance premiums. It is imperative to adhere to safety regulations and follow prescribed measures within work zones to avoid the legal and financial consequences that inevitably follow such reckless behavior.

Case Study 3: Securing Affordable Insurance Following a Work Zone Collision

Mark’s negligent actions led to an unfortunate accident within a work zone, causing injuries to workers present. This incident resulted in Mark facing substantial fines and a significant surge in his insurance rates. In light of such circumstances, it is prudent to explore various insurance quotes to identify viable options for reducing insurance costs subsequent to an accident.

Not Seeing Workers in a Work Zone: The Bottom Line

Even if you do not see workers in a work zone, always drive slowly and remain alert whenever you’re driving through a work zone. Speeding through a work zone not only puts others at risk, but the fees added to your speeding ticket and increased car insurance rates could end up being costly. Of course, if you believe that your insurance rates are already too high, you can shop online to find a better policy that fits your needs.

But remember, don’t use your phone to shop for car insurance quotes, even if you do not see workers in a work zone. Always wait until you are out of your vehicle to use your smartphone.

Once you’re safely out of any work zones and no longer behind the wheel, enter your ZIP code to get quotes from insurance companies near you today.