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Spring, summer, fall, and winter are the four seasons that we all experience. Truckers experience two seasons: winter and road construction! In winter we have to live in a world of white, the rest of the year we live in a world of orange: orange construction barrels, flashing amber arrows and lights and orange signs telling us where to go, how to get there, and how fast to run. It is frustrating, but part of the job we do.

Construction zones are hazardous to say the least. Narrow lanes, holes in the pavement, and concrete barriers, workers, oncoming traffic, construction equipment and, at times, dust clouds all contribute to a potentially dangerous situation. At night, the lights they have at the work sites will kill one's night vision in a flash-pun intended. Long delays not only throw us off-schedule but also add to the general stress of the job, if we let it.

Have you noticed that construction workers seem to wait for us coming along before they run across the road in front of us? I had the opportunity to ask a state highway worker that very question not long ago. He replied, "We wait for you big trucks because you guys are more likely to be paying attention." I can only hope that he is right because based on what I have observed, I am not as sure as he is.

Too many drivers-both car and truck-speed through construction zones. There have been instances of workers getting hit and killed because of this. It is inexcusable, even if the workers seem to take unnecessary risks themselves. I went through a 10-feet-wide bridge construction zone a couple of years ago where a worker was sitting on the concrete barrier. He was merrily talking to another worker, not realizing that his butt was sticking out past the edge of the barrier about six or eight inches. Sometimes I just cannot resist so I tooted my air horn and made him move. Yes, I scared him, but that was better than taking off his rear end.

Speed limits are set in construction zones so that one can react to situations that might arise. Many lanes through road construction have dips, holes, and ruts that can throw a too-fast-moving rig into the other lane or barrier. The workers operate under the assumption that a vehicle will be doing that set speed limit, so they time their sprints across the lane to that speed. If a vehicle is going faster, it shortens the safety time for the workers.

I am seeing more and more vehicles speeding through construction zones and hearing yelling and fussing at trucks doing the speed limit or a little below on the CB. Is the minute or two extra spent going through safely that important? If it is, then perhaps they need to preplan their run a little better or spend less time playing games at the truck stop. Most times, I just turn off the radio and that in itself is dangerous.

Leaving the J in Albuquerque one afternoon last fall going west, I topped the hill only to find a big traffic back-up. Thank God I was heavy and climbing and hadn't reached speed or it could have been a really bad wreck. Two things combined to cause this. The road department hadn't put up warning signs of construction ahead over the east side of the crest of the hill and I didn't have my CB on because of all the CB-Rambo talk that goes on around there.

Most times construction zones are well advertised in advance. States have tried various things to make the transition in and out of zones easier and safer, but we have a responsibility to the workers, the driving public, and ourselves to do what we can to be as safe as we can in these orange-barrel nightmares.

If you approach or find yourself in a construction zone, pay attention. Don't be talking on the phone, changing a CD, eating, or reading directions. Stay focused. Do the posted speed limit for that zone or a little less, depending on your load. Light-weight loads have a tendency to bounce across ruts and make steering difficult. Be alert to sudden stops and if you use your jakes, tap your brakes or use your flashers if you are slowing down. When nearing a construction zone, take a deep breath and don't let the frustration build up and cause undue stress. The load will get there as always, three seconds after you do.

Finally watch out for silly construction workers butts sticking out over the edge of barriers, the butt you save may be your own.

Ya'll be safe!