Why Construction Zones are Hazardous to Motorists

While road construction benefits all road users, the construction zone also appears to be one of the most dangerous areas on the road. According to reports by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 28,636 people (approximately 774 per year) died in construction zone crashes between 1982 and 2019.
Reliable personal injury lawyers, such as John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP, emphasize the risk of serious injury and death that construction zones put drivers in. However, following safety guidelines while driving can help save everyone’s lives. Furthermore, if someone suffers any harm in a construction zone due to negligence from another person, the injured party can sue for damages incurred. 

Why Construction Zones are Dangerous for Motorists

Numerous factors contribute to the construction zones being unsafe for drivers. Some of these contributing factors are as follows:

Changes in Traffic Patterns

Most motorists take the same routes daily and are familiar with traffic patterns. However, traffic patterns usually change during road construction. As a result, this may cause lane reductions, shifting lanes, lane narrowing, and re-routing, which can all be confusing and frustrating for motorists.
Furthermore, if a driver is not paying attention while driving through narrowed lanes, they may scratch the sides of their car and the vehicle in the next lane. Also, a driver steering straight through routes that unexpectedly end in a construction zone may collide with traffic barriers or construction equipment. Thus, accidents can quickly occur on roads with new traffic patterns.

Unsafe Conditions

During construction, the surface of the old road might be broken up and removed. As a result, this can create rough and uneven roads throughout the construction process. Driving over these damaged road surfaces can cause a car to pop a tire or develop mechanical issues. 
In some cases, these bumpy roads may cause drivers to lose control of their cars, colliding with other vehicles. Furthermore, road construction projects can generate a lot of debris, which can end up on the roads outside of a construction zone. It also creates an unsafe situation for drivers, as running over them or attempting to avoid them may result in an accident.

Reduced Visibility

Many construction workers work along the road, which significantly reduces driver visibility. Construction may happen close to road curves, behind large trees, or in areas where traffic is highly congested at a specific time.
Having road construction workers, heavy machinery, and even warning signs in these areas can reduce driver visibility. Reduced visibility, in turn, can also increase the risk of serious car accidents near the construction site.

Changes in Speed Limits

Usually, speed limits change depending on the route. However, it can vary even more when construction zones are involved. Construction zones have reduced speed limits, and these changes can cause accidents.
For instance, drivers who usually drive through a particular route at 60 mph daily may have to move at a slower speed during road construction. Unfortunately, most distracted drivers who are not paying attention to the road will drive too fast, which could lead to accidents.

Dangerous Road Construction Vehicles and Equipment 

Road construction usually requires large trucks, heavy equipment, and machinery to build new roads or repair existing ones. However, most of these construction vehicles drive slowly, come to sudden stops, and take a long time to maneuver into a usable position. 
Situations like these can result in delays, unexpected stops, changing to alternative routes, and other issues. Also, drivers who do not pay attention may run into these construction vehicles or other equipment around them in a construction zone.

Liability in Construction Zone Accidents

Most car accidents involve only one at-fault driver, and their car insurance usually pays any settlement. On the other hand, construction zone accidents are more likely to include multiple drivers due to the risk of chain-reaction accidents.
However, liability claims become more legally complicated when multiple drivers are involved. Sometimes, liability claims in construction zone accidents may involve construction firms or government agencies. In this case, the construction company or the government agency could be held responsible for the accident. 

Why You Need an Attorney in Construction Zone Accidents

Accident cases involving construction zones can be complex and overwhelming, especially when recovering from injuries. However, hiring a competent car accident lawyer can make the entire case process less stressful. 
Hiring a good lawyer to handle your case can provide numerous benefits, including keeping updated on the status of your case. The attorney can help you identify liable parties such as other drivers, government agencies, and construction firms.

Reducing the Risks of a Construction Zone Crash

While you can not control the actions of other drivers, you can control how you drive when approaching a roadside construction site. Drive slow in construction zones, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to reduce the risk of a collision.
Furthermore, staying alert, obeying the signs, and working with road construction workers who direct traffic will help reduce the risk of accidents. Always avoid driving distractions of any kind. When drivers are distracted, they may miss vital road signs or workers directing traffic, which can cause accidents.

Conclusion

Car accidents can result in serious injuries and even death in some cases. To prevent this, drivers should always pay attention to their surroundings and obey all necessary warning signs when driving through a construction zone. Furthermore, road construction workers should do their part to ensure the safety of all road users while working on the road.