Summertime and You Know What That Means: Road Construction
Nothing puts an end to the excitement of a road trip with friends like getting stuck in gridlock traffic. Let’s just hope you or your friends have an endless playlist to get you through the orange cones and flashing sings of “ROAD CONSTRUCTION.” Will you ever get there? Will you survive the pain and devastation of waiting to arrive at your planned destination?
There are ways to get over the road construction frustration this summer, but it will require a little effort on your part.
Check for Road Construction Ahead of Time
Other than listening to traffic reports on the radio, did you know there are a variety of websites you can check ahead of time to see if there is any traffic or road construction going on along your route? Yep! Check your city’s website, your state’s Department of Transportation website or even use Google Maps to map out your route and then select the option to “Show Traffic.”
Checking ahead of time gives you the opportunity to alter your drive if possible so you don’t hit any road construction traffic.
Try to Remember Road Construction is Good!
Yes, this is a hard thing to keep in mind once you’ve been sitting in traffic for the past 45 minutes and moved 3 miles, BUT one way to make the road construction blues disappear is to remember that road construction is GOOD! The one thing that may be worse than waiting in traffic is constantly driving on a terribly bumpy road or hitting a huge pothole and popping a tire.
Help Road Construction Workers Stay Safe
Always keep in mind that those construction workers slaving away on the road are doing their job to keep the roads safe for you, your family and your vehicle. They repair deficiencies in the road, lay new smooth surfaces and help make your travel easier in the long run. Keeping your cool means you’re less likely to drive erratically and are more likely to pay attention.
Don’t Let it Get You Down!
All in all, don’t let summer road construction get you down this year. Remember to plan ahead, stay calm and that the workers on the road are there to keep you safe, so do your best to keep them safe as well.
