More Facts and Tidbits from Caltrans
- As soon as you see orange cones ahead, know you’re heading into the Cone Zone.
- Most Cone Zone collisions occur without warning, before cars even reach the cones.
- Focus. Don’t talk on the phone or change radio stations. A quick reaction could save your life.
- Slow down as soon as you realize you’re approaching the Cone Zone.
- Most Cone Zone crashes are from drivers going too fast and not paying sufficient attention.
- Be patient. Relax and merge early. Drivers who wait until the last second to merge cut off other drivers, causing a dangerous chain-reaction of sudden braking.
- When merging, look over your shoulder and use your turn signal five seconds before changing lanes-even if you believe there aren’t any cars around you. A vehicle could be hidden in your blind spot.
- Don’t tailgate or change lanes frequently to "find the best one." It’s more likely to cause a crash than to save you any real time.
- It takes more force and more distance to stop a heavier car.
- It’s easier to stop when driving uphill and harder to stop when driving downhill.
- Road conditions such as rain, snow or gravel reduce your ability to bring the car to a quick, controlled stop. You should slow way down. Aggressive drivers who don’t slow down endanger themselves and others on the road; just let them pass you on the left.
- Tires that are worn or improperly inflated can also weaken stopping ability.
- Paying attention in the Cone Zone will improve your reaction time. That’s the time it takes to recognize a hazard and react to it.
- At 60 mph, you’re traveling 88 feet per second. A lot can happen in one second, so give yourself plenty of room to stop in case of an emergency.
- Remember: Slow for the Cone Zone.
