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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Work Zone Safety Tips for Indiana Drivers
Road work changes lanes, speeds and traffic patterns from one day to the next. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says about work site speed limits, flaggers, arrow boards and merging, plus what federal crash data shows about why slowing down matters.
10+ mphwork site limits are at least this far below the area's normal limit (BMV)
891work zone traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2022 (FHWA)
34%of fatal work zone crashes in 2022 involved speeding (FHWA)
Stopwhen a flagger holds the flag out horizontally (BMV)
The short answer
Slow down to the posted work site limit, which in Indiana is always at least 10 mph below the area's normal limit. Stop when a flagger holds the flag out horizontally or a paddle or device shows STOP, follow the cones and arrow boards, merge early unless signs call for a zipper merge, keep your distance and put distractions away.
Work zone speed limits in Indiana
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says work site speed limits are always at least 10 miles per hour below the maximum established speed limit for the area, and drivers must adhere to the posted speed limit in a work site.
Watch the signs: some work site speed limits are in effect only when flashing, and others are in effect at all times. For the normal limits on Indiana roads, see our Indiana speed limits guide.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles), read November 3, 2026.
Flaggers, paddles and arrow boards
The BMV manual explains the traffic control you will meet in work zones:
| You see | What to do |
|---|---|
| A flagger extends a fluorescent orange/red flag horizontally into your lane | Stop. Proceed at a reduced speed only when the flagger directs you to. |
| A flagger's signal paddle | Stop or proceed slowly according to the STOP or SLOW message on the sign. |
| An Automated Flagger Assistance Device | Treat it like a flagger: it shows a STOP or SLOW sign, or uses red and yellow lights. |
| A flashing arrow board pointing one way | It often indicates a lane closure or crossover; follow the path outlined by lane markings, cones, barrels or barricades. |
| A flashing arrow board pointing neither way | Use caution. It does not require you to move to another lane. |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Work zone driving tips
Work zones pose dangers for both drivers and workers. The Indiana BMV manual advises:
Stay alert
Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.
Pay attention
Work zone signs will state exactly what to expect ahead.
Merge early
If drivers merge at first sight of the signs, traffic will generally flow more smoothly. Where signs call for a late or zipper merge toward the lane closure, follow them; it may be used to reduce the length of a back-up.
Slow down
If you are speeding when you approach a work zone, you will encounter slowed or stopped traffic within seconds.
Don't tailgate
Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.
Plan ahead
Minimize distractions, expect delays and consider alternate routes if available.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026. For merging basics, see how to merge onto a highway.
Why slowing down matters
The Federal Highway Administration's work zone figures, based on NHTSA crash data from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico:
| Measure | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Work zone traffic fatalities | 963 | 891 |
| Fatal work zone crashes | 880 | 821 |
| Fatal work zone crashes where speeding was a factor | 281 (32%) | 281 (34%) |
| Fatal work zone crashes involving a rear-end collision | 206 (23%) | 174 (21%) |
From FHWA Work Zone Facts and Statistics, read November 3, 2026. FHWA notes the figures are subject to revision.
Keep your vehicle ready for the road
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Work zone safety FAQ
What is the speed limit in an Indiana work zone?
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says work site speed limits are always at least 10 miles per hour below the maximum established speed limit for the area, and drivers must adhere to the posted speed limit in a work site.
Do work zone speed limits apply when no workers are present?
It depends on the posted sign. The BMV manual says some work site speed limits are in effect only when flashing and others are in effect at all times.
What does a flagger's flag mean?
You must stop when a flagger extends a fluorescent orange/red flag in a horizontal position into the line of traffic, and proceed at a reduced speed only when the flagger directs you to, the BMV manual says. With a signal paddle, stop or proceed slowly according to the STOP or SLOW message.
What does a flashing arrow board mean?
Flashing arrow boards often indicate a lane closure or crossover, with lane markings, cones, barrels or barricades outlining the path to follow. An arrow board not indicating a direction either way is a signal to use caution but does not require you to move to another lane.
Should I merge early or late before a lane closure?
The BMV manual says that if drivers merge at first sight of the signs, traffic will generally flow more smoothly. At some locations traffic is encouraged to merge toward the lane closure, known as late or zipper merging, and signs are used in those cases.
How common is speeding in fatal work zone crashes?
FHWA reports that speeding was a factor in 281 fatal work zone crashes in 2022, 34 percent of the total, up from 32 percent in 2021.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Work zone rules and tips are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, and crash figures are from the Federal Highway Administration, both read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (work zones, reduced speed limits in highway work zones), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- FHWA Work Zone Facts and Statistics, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026