Driver Training Series
Honoring Right-of-Way: Work Zones
There are times when lane closures and restrictions add to congestion, but
are needed in order to provide maintenance and/or repairs to existing
roads. The merge point ahead of the closed lane can be a frustrating
place for most drivers -- some cars are trying to "jump the line" and
others are trying to "police the line" -- this can lead to drivers losing
their cool and crashing their vehicles.Drivers need to keep their cool and be aware that dealing with work zones
may require them to yield the right of way to another driver (whether
justified or not) to avoid a collision. Collisions ruin an otherwise
productive day and can lead to injuries depending on speed and other
factors.Do your drivers also treat emergency vehicles (that are working a crash
scene) as a "temporary work zone"? Do they slow down and merge safely if
the emergency vehicles are sticking into one of the travel lanes? While a
construction zone may have "flaggers" to help direct traffic, first
responders usually don't, but may be just as exposed to traffic.We acknowledge that each fleet has its own processes or procedures.
Please reinforce your company's specific expectations when delivering training so that your drivers follow your company practices properly.