In a highway work zone, which hazard should you watch for primarily?

• A. Sharp pavement drop-offs
• B. Pavement markings clearly indicating lane changes
• C. Construction workers crossing the road
• D. Loose debris on the shoulder

Answer: (A)

Sharp pavement drop-offs at the edge of the roadway are the most immediate danger in a highway work zone. When you’re driving at highway speeds, a sudden drop-off can cause a tire to slip off the pavement, push the vehicle toward the edge, or even lead to a loss of steering control. That loss of traction and control can result in a crash or a rollover, especially for vehicles with higher centers of gravity. So the priority is to avoid driving near the edge, slow down, and stay centered in your lane with plenty of following distance, watching for the edge where the road surface ends and the drop-off begins.

Other hazards, like workers crossing the road, visible lane-change markings, or loose debris on the shoulder, are important to watch for, but they don’t pose the same immediate risk to vehicle control as an abrupt edge drop-off. Lane markings help you navigate the work zone safely, and debris can cause tire damage or a skid, but the sudden change in pavement height at the edge is the primary factor that can suddenly threaten your vehicle’s stability.