Construction zone accidents can be deadly
Construction zone accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Drivers in California should know what safety tips to follow to prevent being in a crash this summer.
Road construction is common during the summer months in California and throughout the United States. Many drivers are used to seeing road construction signs and reduced lanes that frequently cause traffic jams and headaches. Unfortunately, road construction is not just frustrating but it can also be deadly.
Construction zones can be difficult to navigate and they tend to see higher rates of car accidents. Due to the risks of car accidents in work zones, the California Highway Patrol has started a safety campaign called "Be Work Zone Alert" to prevent crashes in construction zones. The safety campaign features billboards and public service announcements to remind drivers to be alert and drive safely in construction zones across the state.
Several factors may contribute to work zone accidents
In 2010, there were 87,606 car accidents in construction zones in the U.S., according to the Federal Highway Administration. Many car accidents in work zones result in property damage as well as injuries. In some tragic cases, car accidents result in fatalities. In 2010, 576 people were killed in car accidents in work zones.
Statistics from a report on work zone fatalities in 2008 show that a majority of people killed in these accidents are drivers and passengers, showing just how dangerous driving through construction zones can be.
What factors contribute to car accidents in construction zones? Data shows that rear-end collisions, side-swipe collisions and fixed-object crashes are the most common types of accidents in construction zones. Construction accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Factors that commonly contribute to fatal accidents in construction zones include speeding, alcohol use and not wearing a seat belt.
Fatal crashes are also more likely to happen during the day and in the summer and fall, since that is when a majority of road construction projects are completed.
Safety tips for drivers in California
Driving through construction zones can be dangerous, especially when the lanes change frequently or when there is heavy traffic. Getting into an accident in a work zone can result in injuries and even death so what can motorists do to stay safe? Listed below are some safety tips for drivers to keep in mind this summer:
- Focus on the road
- Don't speed
- Don't use your cellphone or other electronic devices
- Watch for construction workers and trucks entering the road
- Don't follow too closely
What to do if you are injured in a construction accident
Drivers and passengers may be injured or killed in a construction accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a work zone accident, you may not know what to do or how you will pay your medical bills. You should know that you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your injuries.
In some cases, the construction company or California Department of Transportation may be held liable for accidents in work zones. Since every case is unique, contacting a personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options
