Construction work zone crashes on the rise
The number of deaths as a result of car accidents in construction zones is rising steadily each year. Over 1,000 people are killed each year and 40,000 are injured in construction zone crashes. That is up from just over 800 deaths in 1999.
Of those killed and injured, more than 80 percent are drivers or passengers. Workers are very much at risk as well, but the accidents are mostly rear-end collisions between cars in the work zone. A vast majority of crashes are caused by driver inattentiveness. These drivers will be carelessly talking on a cell phone or preoccupied with something in the car and won’t realize traffic has stopped for an upcoming work zone. This driver negligence is what causes injury accidents.
Lawmakers are split over how to deal with this problem. Some want better training for construction workers and wider lanes in construction zones. Others say driver education programs and advertisements are essential in showing drivers they need to slow down and stay alert.
Transportation officials in some states are also advocating that more roads are completely closed when construction is ongoing, rather than trying to funnel traffic through these congested areas. They have also started using longer lasting pavement to reduce the amount of maintenance needed on the roadway.
Since most work zone crashes are the result of driver negligence, those who are injured can often contact a personal injury lawyer to recover damages after the accident. You can reduce your chances of being in an accident by being attentive in work zones, but if you are still injured by someone else’s negligence you should contact a car accident attorney as quickly as possible.
