Lane Closures
Highway Safety Tips
Over the next several years, many significant transportation construction projects will take place at about the same time in Northern Virginia, eventually affecting all drivers traveling in and through the region. Although orange cones and barrels will become a common sight throughout the area, it’s important never to become complacent when driving through a work zone,
If you spot an unsafe condition, call the Highway Helpline 1-800-367-ROAD or State Police #77
Work Zone Facts
- Merge as soon as possible when entering a work zone. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lanes as soon as the first merge sign is visible.
- Areas where traffic is entering or exiting work zones are most dangerous because drivers jockey for position here.
- The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear-end collision. Crashes in non-construction areas are more commonly angle or side-swiping crashes
- Speeding in a work zone carries a $500 fine.
Move It
If you are involved in a collision, it is important to move the vehicle as soon as it is safe and possible to do so. Leaving cars on the road contributes to traffic back-ups, which can cause additional accidents.
After a collision:
- Check for injuries. If anyone involved is injured, contact law enforcement immediately. If no one is injured and traffic is blocked, move the vehicle out of the way.
- Notify law enforcement in a collision when:
- there are injuries
- the vehicles cannot be moved
- one of the drivers appears to be intoxicated
- damage exceeds $1,000
- one of the drivers has no insurance
- one of the drivers leaves the scene of the crash
- Warn oncoming traffic to prevent addiction collisions. Common warning practices include raising your hood and using flares. Common ways of letting motorists know you need assistance are:
- Tying a white handkerchief to your door
- Waving a red flag
- Using a flashlight at night
- Crossing a road or attempting to stop traffic can be dangerous, especially at night. If waiting for assistance, be patient.
- Exchange information between drivers.; Name, address, phone number, vehicle license plate number, vehicle description, insurance information and driver license number. It is also helpful to get information from the others involved or any witnesses.
Travel Checklist
- Plan Ahead
- Before trips, order state transportation or scenic byways maps.
- Before traveling, check road conditions, travel advisories, construction projects and the HOV schedule.
- Check Your Vehicle
- Top off all fluids and check the tire pressure, especially when heading north to colder climates.
- Make certain items placed in a roof rack are safely secured
- Even properly maintained vehicles break down. Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit.
- Have radiator, air conditioning system, tires, belts, hoses and steering checked by a professional before hot weather arrives.
- Plan for Emergencies
- Keep at least one gallon of drinkable water in the trunk of your vehicle.
- For the family, keep reading and writing materials available for children who may become bored in traffic tie-ups.
- The elderly and people with health conditions affected by prolonged exposure to heat may want to consider acquiring a cellular telephone.
- While Traveling
- Stay alert. Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents. To combat driver fatigue on the road, stop at a rest stop for a 15-minute break every two to three hours.
- Listen to Advisory Highway Radio, AM 1620, for the latest traffic updates in Northern Virginia.
