back

• Before starting out, find out about road work zones along your route. This avoids any surprises along the way and you can take a detour to avoid congestion caused by road work zones.
• When travelling abroad, be prepared for different rules, road markings in different colours (for instance, white, orange or red) and for unfamiliar and poorly visible traffic signs. In some countries, traffic signs are mounted near the ground and in situations with heavy traffic, these signs are almost impossible to see when driving in the fast lane.
• Strictly keep to the speed limits and observe the prohibitions in force.
• Remember that you are required by law to observe the so-called zipper system of merging when lanes are closed, i.e. remaining in the lane until the road narrows, looking into the mirror, indicating and then merging in alteration with traffic in the other lane according to the zipper system of merging.
• Expect the unexpected, especially in lead-in/exit tapers which can be extremely short and steep.
• Remember that a wide HGV or a car and trailer will need more room at the beginning of lead-in/exit tapers.
• Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front of you, and drive carefully, paying attention to the road ahead. This is particularly important in the case of one-lane traffic routing where you have no room to swerve out of the way if the vehicle in front of you comes to a sudden halt. The most frequent accidents at road work zones are rear-end collisions.
• If you are uncertain, then remain in the slow lane. This lane is usually wider than the fast lane and you do not come so close to oncoming traffic. 
• Only overtake if you feel that you are capable of doing so and proceed briskly. Remember,  the fast lane is often narrower than the slow lane.
• Focus on your lane and do not let your gaze linger for longer periods on the surrounding areas. After all, you will automatically be drawn to where your gaze is fixed.
• If you have a break-down, switch on your hazard warning lights immediately, and if there are no lay-bys or if these are impossible to reach, try to park your vehicle outside the traffic lane, for instance between two beacons. You and your passengers should then leave your vehicle, moving away from the traffic side, and try to find a safe place. In Belgium, Italy, Croatia, Austria, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain, all passengers must put on warning vests before leaving the vehicle. Do not attempt to push your car to a distant lay-by as this is too dangerous. If you have a puncture, continue to drive carefully to the end of the road work zone and then stop at a lay-by or an emergency lane.
• Special care and attention is required when road workers are located directly on the traffic lane or in the direct vicinity.
• Take care when work is being carried out at night. The transition from the illuminated working area to the dark motorway is particularly critical here.