An Open Letter For Motorists Driving Through Construction Sites

It's road construction season in Maine, and so I wanted to voice an opinion on how best to deal with all the detours and delays. I hope some of you agree with me!

Dear Maine Drivers,

This is the time of year when the financing comes through for Department of Transportation road projects, and so chances are excellent that you're going to run into some construction on your daily travels. I encourage you to keep a few things in mind, as you encounter flaggers, traffic cones, and large equipment.

Pay Attention! Put down the cellphone and keep your eyes on the road. Some of these sites come up fast, and you don't want to get caught having to slam on the brakes because you missed the construction signs. Work is being done everywhere, so it's likely you'll cross paths with these folks at some point.

Be Respectful. Inching up on a car that's stopped in front of you or blasting your horn isn't going to do any good. When it's your turn to move, the DOT folks will let you pass, but your anger and belligerence isn't going to make it happen faster.

Obey Speed Laws. There was a great commercial years ago that showed a car driving into the middle of an office, to demonstrate that a construction site is a place of work. When you're driving through, you need to watch your speed and be safe. It might mean the difference between life and death for the folks working there.

Pack Your Patience In The Car With You. This goes back to the respectful point. Everyone in that line of traffic is in the same boat that you are. Getting angry at the other drivers or being impatient or verbally abusive to the workers is not going to accomplish anything. And it will, frankly, make you out to be nothing but a boorish jerk.

Finally, Keep Your Eyes On the Prize! We spend every spring complaining about the condition of the roads, after Maine's tough winters. Those road construction crews are working to fix those problems. So, leave a little earlier, give yourself time to occasionally get delayed, and be thankful for the people who spend their days outside, working in the elements. We appreciate them and their hard work!

Sincerely,

A Grateful Motorist