The I-69 Finish Line project is ongoing. Through 2024, the main corridor between Bloomington and Indianapolis will be under construction. This will mean various stretches of the interstate will be partly blocked for a long period, and you will have to drive in construction zones.
Driving next to road construction requires caution and extra attention to avoid a car accident. Unfortunately, too many drivers treat driving in a construction zone the same as a regular stretch of road and cause serious wrecks as a result.
Four tips for driving in road construction
As a refresher, here are some tips for driving safely next to road construction zones, as provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Check your route on a GPS app or traffic website. If there is road construction, consider taking an alternate route.
- Pay close attention. Read all the signs explaining the temporary speed limit, whether a lane will be closed ahead, etc. Avoid distractions like your cellphone, food, or putting on makeup. Pay special attention for construction workers.
- Slow down and keep your distance. The vehicle in front of you could stop suddenly, and if you aren’t prepared, you could rear-end them.
- Move into the open lane as soon as possible — but watch your blind spots when changing lanes.
With proper attention and care, you can greatly reduce your risk of a car crash in a construction zone. But you cannot count on other drivers on I-69 doing the same thing. If a negligent driver crashes into you on the highway, you could be badly injured.
