While driving through a work zone, when should you reduce your speed?

While driving through a work zone, when should you reduce your speed?

• A. Lower your speed even farther any time workers are present
• B. Maintain the posted limit
• C. Speed up to clear the area
• D. Slow down only if directed by a flagger

Answer: (A)

When you’re driving through a work zone, you must slow down as soon as you see workers or equipment in or near the roadway. The presence of people and changed road conditions—narrowed lanes, uneven surfaces, and unexpected workers moving near traffic—means you need extra time to react, more control over the vehicle, and a shorter stopping distance. Slowing down protects both the workers and you, even if you’re not yet directed by a flagger or signs. Maintaining the posted speed can put you and the workers at risk because the normal limits are often reduced in work zones. Speeding up to “clear the area” creates danger for the people working nearby. Slowing down only when told by a flagger isn’t enough because conditions can change quickly and workers may be present before you receive a directive. Always err on the side of caution and reduce your speed whenever workers are visible, following posted speed limits and flagger instructions as you proceed.

When you’re driving through a work zone, you must slow down as soon as you see workers or equipment in or near the roadway. The presence of people and changed road conditions—narrowed lanes, uneven surfaces, and unexpected workers moving near traffic—means you need extra time to react, more control over the vehicle, and a shorter stopping distance. Slowing down protects both the workers and you, even if you’re not yet directed by a flagger or signs.

Maintaining the posted speed can put you and the workers at risk because the normal limits are often reduced in work zones. Speeding up to “clear the area” creates danger for the people working nearby. Slowing down only when told by a flagger isn’t enough because conditions can change quickly and workers may be present before you receive a directive. Always err on the side of caution and reduce your speed whenever workers are visible, following posted speed limits and flagger instructions as you proceed.