Think about the last time you drove through a construction zone. Did you feel frustrated when you saw the ‘reduced speed ahead’ sign, knowing you’d be that much later to work or getting home? Did you roll your eyes at how long construction was taking? Did you feel annoyed because while you were trying to follow the reduced speed limit, other drivers zoomed past you? You even saw a few of them texting or scrolling Facebook while they were driving.
Now imagine all of your frustrations multiplied across every driver on the road. Everyone is frustrated and wants to get where they’re going as quickly as possible. Many folks are trying to push the speed limit, and many more are not paying attention to what’s around them. They see sitting in stop-and-go traffic as the perfect opportunity to catch up on email. They may move a few feet at a time, but their foot isn't on the gas.
All combined you have the perfect conditions for a wreck.
Risks of the Road
Speeding and inattentive drivers are the top 2 reasons construction zone wrecks are so common. In 2019 alone, almost 30,000 crashes happened in construction zones in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Unsurprisingly, rear-end collisions are the most common.
There’s a reason the speed limit is reduced in construction zones. There are so many hazards you don’t encounter in other places. In addition to construction workers along the road who are just trying to safely do their jobs, you might also encounter:
- Uneven pavement
- Narrow lanes and lane changes
- Concrete barriers
- Slow-moving and heavy equipment
- Vehicles that make sudden stops
- Sudden changes in the speed limit
Combined with speeding and distracted drivers, these hazards are dangerous and can be deadly.
What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk
Construction zones are everywhere, especially in bigger cities like Houston and Dallas, so while it would be great to avoid them altogether, the next best thing is taking extra precautions in these hazardous areas.
Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe and reduce some of the risks associated with construction zones:
- Slow down when you near a construction zone and always follow posted speed limits. They are for workers’ safety, and yours;
- Stay off of your phone (put it on silent and toss it in the backseat if you need to) and stay alert. Workers, heavy equipment, and cars starting and stopping quickly don’t mix well with distracted drivers;
- Since not everyone might be paying as much attention as you are, put extra space between yourself and the driver in front of you;
- Keep an eye out for road crews. A vest, hard hat, and safety boots–usually the only safety equipment they have to protect themselves—are no match for a speeding car. Remember that workers are only doing their jobs, and deserve to do so safely; and
- Give yourself extra time if you have to go through a construction zone. Take a breath, listen to some music you enjoy, and accept that it’s going to be slow for a little while. Better to get where you’re going late and safe than hurt.
If the risk alone isn’t enough to deter you from speeding, remember that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000.
When It's Time to Call an Attorney
Anyone who has been injured in a car wreck in a work zone may have a claim for personal injury or wrongful death. Unfortunately, we often see the victim accepting the first offer from insurance. When this happens, the other party isn’t held accountable for their negligence.
If you or a loved one are injured in a construction zone, it's important that you find an attorney experienced in dealing with the many insurance companies involved and the defenses they use when defending the actions of the at-fault driver.
Reach out to us at 214-699-4409 or contact us for a free consultation regarding your wreck.
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Car wrecks can be overwhelming - that's why we created a guide to help you and your loved ones if you've been hit by a reckless driver. Download our guide below or contact us to have a member of our team send you your free copy.
