This Won’T Be Easy But Will Be Worth It

Thu., June 3, 1999

Reggie Eans

Well, it finally happened in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Warmer weather, longer days. Spring has sprung. But what also happened was not so pleasant: the Season of Road Construction and Repair. Drive almost anywhere and you run into flaggers, heavy equipment, traffic slowdowns and orange signs that warn: Construction Ahead.

Driving Interstate 90 from Spokane to the Valley? Orange everywhere. Northwest Boulevard? Wave to those flaggers.

So, without further ado here are a few do’s and don’ts that might help us all cope and fare well this road construction season.

Let it be said first that a fair number of us have complained about the dire condition of our roads, about potholes and bad surfacing. The road construction is not a personal matter, an affront to drivers getting where they need to go. Construction and repair are the price of the improvements we need on our streets.

So, some tips:

If possible, leave for your destination 20 to 30 minutes earlier than you normally would. You might avoid construction and you’ll experience less stress.

Remember that even if you do leave early, or allow more time, you still might run into construction. So slow down, pay attention and stay calm.

Read the road construction signs and comply with them as soon as you safely can. The sooner the better. Watch your surroundings. Leave braking room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Be courteous and thoughtful of the other driver. Let other people into your lane, hoping they’ll do the same for you next time.

Look for alternative routes.

Work zones require our full and undivided attention. Don’t use your cell phones, except for emergencies. Don’t change your CD or fidget with the radio.

Don’t lose your focus by filling out paperwork, reading or eating lunch in the car.

Most importantly, don’t drive aggressively. After all, work zones are there because road conditions are being improved or roads are being expanded or modified to create better, faster and more convenient travel routes for everyone.

The added time penalty that may result from passing through a work zone will pay off in the future. So be patient.

And remember that the signs and other directions given in work zones are intended to get you, your family and other motorists to home, work and other destinations as quickly and safely as possible.

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