Does Your Teen Driver Know Enough About Florida Work Zone Hazards?

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The time when your teen learns how to drive can be as much of a stress as it is a relief. On one hand, you no longer have to drive to soccer practice every day. On the other hand, you have to worry that your child is driving safely and practices defensive driving.

One major hazard is often under-discussed among West Palm Beach drivers: work zones. Work zones create unfamiliar traffic patterns and bring construction workers into the line of fast-moving vehicles. The likelihood of an accident in a work zone is high: over 40,000 injuries and 1,000 deaths per year occur in work zone accidents.

Below are some questions you can ask yourself and your teen driver to make sure that you know how to handle work zones:

• Are you aware of any upcoming construction projects on your daily commute?

Check for highway or surface-street construction on the way to your teen’s school and athletic or extracurricular events.

• Do you give yourself enough time for your commute?

Driving in a hurry can often come at the expense of practicing defensive driving. If you know of a work zone on your commute, plan for delays from traffic and reduced speed. Do not exceed the speed limit.

• Do you scan the road ahead for signs of a work zone?

If you see traffic cones, construction workers in fluorescent vests, temporary lane merge signs, or flashing lights, slow down. Give nearby drivers plenty of space to react.

• Do you experience stress while driving?

Road rage and other emotional disturbances can be aggravated by the traffic and unpredictable activity surrounding work zones. Make sure you keep calm and react thoughtfully to driving conditions.

If you or your teen driver has been involved in a Florida auto accident related to work zones, give us a call at 1-800-GOLD-LAW. Craig Goldenfarb and his team of West Palm Beach auto accident attorneys can offer a free consultation to discuss your case.