As the weather begins to move towards spring and summer, other seasons come into play while driving, such as during road construction season.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Shelby McCreedy says that the main priority for having different rules and regulations for drivers in construction zones, is the safety of those working. She explains that not only are these construction workers intensely focused using the dangerous equipment and materials that they work with, but they also must be aware of the traffic passing by. McCreedy tells Raccoon Valley Radio why drivers need to pay attention and follow the rules around construction areas.

“The number one focus needs to be on driver awareness. If you’re in a construction zone, you have to be hyper aware of all of your surroundings because vehicles can stop suddenly, there can be lane changes, there can be signage that you need to see, speeds can vary at a moment’s notice. So there is a real need for increased driver awareness when you’re in a construction zone.”

McCreedy adds that even with the reduced speed limits, she usually suggests to drivers to drive slower than that, as an extra precaution not only for the safety of the construction workers, but for the safety of the driver and other people on the road as well.