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When approaching a work zone, you’ll see bright, reflective cones, barrels, and signs, large vehicles, and workers in bright, reflective vests to warn you of the hazard and direct you where to go safely. All temporary signs in work zones have an orange background and black letters or symbols and tell you what to do, how soon you will encounter the work zone and the speed limit through the work zone. These “Advanced warning signs” are important to pay attention to and follow. 

Reduce your speed as soon as you see the orange signs and equipment. On Connecticut Highways, reduced speed limits will be posted, but slow down on any road whether or not you see posted reduced speed limits. 
Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes and fatalities. Reducing your speed allows you to respond quickly to the unexpected. Remember – in Connecticut, speeding fines are doubled in work zones!

Work zones are not there to inconvenience you unnecessarily. Remember, they are the only protective measures available to create a boundary between crews and drivers. They’re a necessary part of our transportation system, and crew members are working to improve the roadways you use every day. Be patient and respect the workers.

Drive safely by keeping at least 3 car-lengths distance between you and the car ahead of you. You can control your driving and your car, but not other drivers’ and their cars. More distance means you have more time to react to changes. Most rear-end accidents occur because of following too closely and traveling too fast for conditions.

There’s a lot to look at in a work zone, but dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid distraction while approaching and traveling through them. Remember, people and equipment can appear suddenly right alongside your path of travel.

Changes can take place overnight on the routes you travel every day. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes and sidewalks may be closed, narrowed or shifted and people may be working on or near the road. Assume changes will happen and slow down.

The traffic control personnel are trained to know what is best for moving all road users safely through the work zone. Follow their instructions, always.

Slow down, but don’t stop unless instructed to do so by a sign, worker, flagger or Police Officer. Stopping suddenly can confuse other drivers and lead to rear-end collisions. 

Check radio, TV and websites for traffic information. Avoid work zones if you can or allow extra time to reach your destination safely. Learn to expect delays.

There are signs at the beginning AND end of work zones. Reduce your speed before you enter the zone and do not return to normal speeds until you see the “End Road Work”  signs

Wearing your seatbelt is your best defense in a crash, and it’s the law.