Not only do spring and summer mean warmer temperatures, it also mean road construction. While orange signs and barrels mean traffic and delays to many drivers, it also means road crews working.
Every year, approximately 600 people are killed in roadway work zones. Although the numbers of injuries and fatalities have dropped significantly in the last ten years, roadway work zones continue to be dangerous to both motorists and workers.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the most common causes of accidents in work zones for drivers include following other cars too closely, improperly changing lanes and failing to yield to other vehicles. Distractions include texting, talking on the phone, driving while fatigued or driving under the influence.
As the construction season gets underway nationwide, motorists need to be mindful of workers and others traveling through work zone. Driving through a work zone does not have to be dangerous. In order to minimize the risk of work zone accidents, motorists should consider the following safety tips from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Slow down to the posted speed limits.
- Drive with caution. Pay close attention to work zone signs and warnings.
- Timely merge before the work zone.
- Turn on headlights so workers and other drivers can see your vehicle.
- Do not tailgate – leave plenty of room for those sudden stops.
- Keep up with the traffic flow.
- Do not change lanes in work zones.
- Avoid distractions, including work zone activity. Give full attention to the roadway.
- Expect the unexpected.
- Be patient. Remember work zones are necessary to improve roads and make them safer.
Concentration, caution, and common sense within construction zones not only keeps workers safe, it keeps motorists safe.
Mark Bello is the CEO and General Counsel of Lawsuit Financial Corporation, a pro-justice lawsuit funding company, which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury litigation.
