Avoiding Work Zone Accidents

As roads wear out and population shifts make roadway expansions and infrastructure reconstruction necessary, work crews are a common sight on roadways throughout New Jersey and the rest of the nation. These work zones can pose hazards to drivers and increase their chances of being involved in accidents with other vehicles, construction workers, and stationary objects like traffic cones and concrete barriers.

When a driver passes through a work zone, one of the most important things for them to do is obey the construction crew’s directions. Often, a worker is tasked with directing traffic through or around the work zone. This will minimize their risk of being involved in an accident, and potentially suffer an injury or injure another person. Because work zones can be dangerous, the fines for violating laws while driving through them are often steeper than they typically would be.

Maintaining a Safe Following Distance

Keeping a safe following distance with the other cars on the roadway is an effective way for a driver to give themselves ample room to safely come to a full stop, if necessary. It also makes it far easier for the driver to handle turns and merges. In addition to a safe following distance, drivers should also keep a safe barrier of space between their vehicles and the construction vehicles present in a work zone. This can reduce the chances of colliding with work vehicles and work crews.

Drivers Must Obey the Posted Speed Limit

In a work zone, there is often a temporary speed limit. This temporary speed limit is usually displayed on a bright-colored sign and is often lower than the roadway’s normal speed limit. Drivers should always obey the temporary speed limit when driving past work zones. These lower speed limits are there for motorist and worker safety. Work zones often have unexpected merges, less efficient traffic patterns than those typically in place, and workers walking and using equipment very close to the roadway.

Distracted Driving is Fatal

Distracted driving is always dangerous. In a work zone, it can be especially dangerous because of the unexpected hazards discussed above. When moving through work zones, drivers should put their phones down, avoid using onboard computers, and focus on the roadway. Work zones alter the traffic flow, so even a familiar roadway can feel new and have unexpected hazards when it is under construction.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Construction Workers Injured in Work Zones

If you were injured in a construction work zone or any other stretch of roadway due to a negligent driver, you could be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. To learn more, fill out our online form or call 215-426-4493 to schedule your legal consultation with a Philadelphia construction accident lawyer at DiTomaso Law. Our office is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we serve clients from the surrounding areas.