It's more likely than not that this summer your drive to work, the park or vacation destination includes a detour around a construction work zone.

These areas, familiar on public roadways with orange reflective signs, flashing lights, pylons and temporary road markings, can put a speed bump in anyone's day.

"Drivers get comfortable with their routes to work or cottage country, but when they enter construction work zones, they're faced with an unusual situation," explains Andrew Beale, traffic office manager at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. "The once-familiar lanes may be temporarily reduced and concrete markers direct them through what is normally open road."

Beale advises motorists to take control on the roads and consider these tips to improve steering through construction work zones.

1. Eliminate distractions. Turn down music and turn off handheld cellphones to focus on the drive and follow directions from workers and signs.

2. Slow down. High speeds are dangerous for workers and drivers. Although not all construction zones require reduced speed, if a sign changes the limit, it's for safety reasons.

3. Watch for workers. Beyond their hard hats and work boots, workers wear highly reflective Scotchlite material on arm and leg bands, and vests to ensure they’re visible to drivers and fellow workers day or night.

4. Stay aware. Avoid difficult situations by looking ahead and paying attention to traffic control devices, especially fluorescent orange 3M road signs with lane changes.

5. Be patient. Recognize heavy equipment, like large trucks carrying heavy loads of asphalt, move much slower than other vehicles, especially on expressways.

6. Know the law. Disobeying stop/slow paddles is now an offense and speeding fines double in work zones. For example, driving 20 km/hr over the speed limit is a fine of $180 and three demerit points.

7. Find the route. The Canadian Automobile Association's website identifies work zones in the United States to help drivers plan alternate routes. For worksites across Ontario, visit MTO.gov.on.ca.

8. Make the call. In Ontario, call 511, a new information service, for updates on road conditions including current construction work zones.

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For more information:
Jacqui Newell
Public Relations Coordinator
3M Canada
519-451-2500 ext. 2564
jnewell@mmm.com