Now that we have survived another long, cold Minnesota winter, it is time to celebrate, right? With over 10,000 lakes in our great state, we have so much to do and so much to explore. Summer is an exciting time in Minnesota. It’s time to head out on the next great adventure. There is nothing stopping us and nothing can get in our way. Well, except maybe a little construction traffic from Albert Lea to Itasca, Stillwater to Ortonville, and everywhere in between.

Ok, it is not that bad. Plus, those construction workers are hard at work making our beautiful state even better. When the roads are complete and the improvements have been made, we really appreciate the nice ride. So, as the weather warms up and crews are out, we thought we might offer a few suggestions for driving in construction zones.

Here are some things to consider when you hit the road this summer:

Think ahead – There is an app or information online for just about anything anymore. If patience isn’t your thing, plan ahead. Map out other routes that might take a bit longer than the original route, but avoid being stuck in a traffic jam for hours. If you expectantly find yourself stuck in traffic, with no end in sight, have a passenger investigate a new route using a smartphone or a good old fashion map.

Be aware of other drivers – While you may have a perfect driving record and take great pride in your driving skills, that is not the case for everyone on the road. Keep a watchful eye out for brake lights, quick stops and drivers swerving into your lane.

Slow down – Stick to the speed limit in construction zones. This is not only for your safety and the safety of the construction crew, but speeding fines in construction zones can be very expensive.

Be alert – In construction zones, there are so many unexpected things that can happen, such as lane changes, a construction worker on the road, reduced speeds, closed roads and exits, and more. Stay safe by reducing distractions and keeping your eyes on the road.

Stay off the phone – It can wait. Your life and the life of the construction crews are way too important.

If you have experienced damage to your vehicle, give us a call. From rear-end collisions to rocks in your windshield, we can help get your vehicle fixed and back on the road. We offer free pickup and delivery of your damaged vehicle, plus we offer free loaner cars. Give us a call today at 763-242-2522 or download our app for a convenient online estimate.