Driving Safely in Construction Zones: What Every Montreal Driver Should Know

Ah, a Montreal summer… It's the season of terrasses, festivals like the International Jazz Fest, and never-ending construction work across the city. So, how can you drive safely in construction zones?

To ensure safety on the road, it’s crucial to slow down and pay attention to the temporary signs, typically marked in orange. These dangerous zones can necessitate sudden lane changes, or even a switch in the street you’re on, leading to potential traffic congestion and a heightened risk of accidents.

Here are three tricks to help you adopt a safe and respectful driving style in these high-risk zones.

Perform Visual Checks

In a construction zone, the area can shift rapidly, featuring narrowed lanes, construction workers, heavy machinery, and pedestrians or cyclists who might be temporarily rerouted from sidewalks. This environment requires increased visual checks, especially your blind spots.

Remember to pay close attention to the temporary road signs, be vigilant of other other drivers who might make sudden lane changes. Don’t forget about the markings on the ground, they can be altered in these zones and sometimes hard to spot.

Reduce Your Speed

In Quebec, the law is straightforward: drivers must reduce their speed in construction zones, even when the roads appear clear. In Montreal, we often encounter temporary orange signs indicating these restrictions. It’s essential to respect these signs, not just for your safety but also because it’s mandated by law. Additionally, speed radars may be installed in these areas to monitor how fast people are driving. If the speed limits are not followed in construction zones, fines can be doubled.

Maintain and increase the following distances

Ensuring a safe following distance while driving is vital, especially when navigating frequent stops, sudden lane changes, and tight roads. In construction zones, maintaining extra space in front of your vehicle allows for quicker reactions to unexpected situations. By increasing the distance, you minimize stress behind the wheel and contribute to smoother traffic flow.

In Conclusion

Driving in construction zones in Montreal demands your full attention to the road, along with a good dose of patience, and adherence to the Highway Safety Code. To enhance safety for yourself and others, keep these three simple tips in mind: stay aware of your surroundings, reduce your speed, and maintain a longer following distance.

Looking for more driving tips in Montreal? Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts that will help you navigate the city safely!