The I-69 Finish Line project is ongoing. For approximately the next three and a half years, 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.
