7 tips to help you navigate safely
The I-91 construction project is in full swing in downtown Springfield, and road work throughout the rest of the region is picking up now that the weather is warming. With a little patience and advance planning; however, you should be able to reach your destination safely and on time.
Some of these tips may seem obvious, but they serve as important reminders for all of us:
- Practice patience. Road work and increased traffic are to be expected during the warmer months of the year. Getting stressed out and upset won’t get you to your destination any faster, but it will definitely make the trip more miserable. Plus, when you feel frustrated and impatient, you are more likely to make a bad decision that could lead to an accident.
- Check the signs. Where there is road work, there is sure to be reduced speed limits, so be sure to obey the posted signs, for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
- Don’t tailgate. You shouldn’t tailgate under even the best of circumstances, but the danger increases when there is road construction. Debris or other hazards may cause the driver in front of you to stop quickly, and you need to have the time and space to respond quickly as well.
- Pay attention. Sitting in traffic can be boring, but don’t let yourself become distracted. Checking your phone, selfie-snapping, or multi-tasking in other forms takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel.
- People watch. During road construction, you’ll often find people where you don’t expect them – as flaggers, construction workers, or even pedestrians walking around an impediment. Extra vigilance keeps everyone safe.
- Merge with care. When you notice that a lane will be closed ahead, merge as carefully and as soon as possible into the lane or lanes remaining open. Racing down the closing lane or the breakdown lane and cutting in at the last second is dangerous because other drivers may not see you coming.
- Plan ahead. Anticipate increased summer traffic and road work, and build in extra time. If you are driving somewhere unfamiliar, check online to see if there are major road construction projects before you go (the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has a number of resources for travelers). Some vehicle navigation systems will also warn of upcoming delays and offer alternate routes.
Even the most careful drivers are sometimes involved in auto accidents. That’s why Massachusetts requires its drivers to have automobile insurance, including coverage for bodily injury for others, personal injury protection, bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto and damage to someone else’s property. There is a required minimal limit for each, which is listed on the Mass.gov website.
Many consumers purchase comprehensive and collision coverage. We can work with you to make sure you have the appropriate coverage, so if an accident happens, you’re covered. Request a free quote today.