Follow These Tips to Stay Safe in Construction Zones

 Posted on September 08, 2017 in Personal Injury

It seems like every car ride involves traveling through a road construction zone. While construction zones can be an inconvenience to motorists, they can also present an increased risk of car accidents.

Motorists should be mindful of orange cones, new signage and directions to slow down, as these areas are known to lead to accidents. For example, in 2015, 39 people died in Illinois in accidents that took place in work zones. Many more were injured.

Here are some tips from safety experts on how to drive in construction zones:

• Work zones appear suddenly. It is important to slow down at the earliest sign you are approaching a construction area.
• Obey the lowered speed limits posted. Keep in mind that in inclimate weather conditions you should be driving slower than the posted speed limits. You should also wait to return to normal speed limits until instructed by construction signs.
• Leave extra space between cars, traffic barriers, construction workers, and equipment. This will give you more time to react to unforeseen roadway conditions. It will also help you keep construction workers safe on the job. Also, watch out for drivers who are tailgating. If needed and is safe to do so, you should attempt to let tailgaters pass you so that you can keep driving in a safe manner.
• Do not drive off the road or path. Road construction is not an excuse for you to drive on the shoulder or to use traffic lanes running the wrong way. Crossing the median is very dangerous.

Construction Zone Car Accident Cases Can Be Complex

While construction areas can be danger zones prone to car accidents, legally, accident cases that arise in these areas present complex issues. There may be more than one party at fault.

For example, the construction company who erected the signs or set up the lane closures may be at fault. Perhaps one of the vehicles involved in the accident is a construction vehicle. There are certain rules that apply to these areas, and someone negotiating an accident settlement must have a thorough knowledge of these rules.

A DuPage County, IL Car Crash Lawyer Can Help

Our firm has helped many car accident victims get the compensation they deserve, including getting their medical bills covered, lost wages and damages for pain and suffering. Our firm understands how to negotiate with the insurance companies and the unique laws that may come into play in your case. Call the skilled Hinsdale, IL car wreck attorneys at the Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio at 630-920-8855.

Sources:

https://www.workzonesafety.org/crash-information/workzone-fatalities/fatalities-in-motor-vehicle-traffic-crashes-by-state-and-work-zone-2015/

https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/fhwasa03012/