An Overview Of Highway Construction Accidents

Things To Know About Highway Construction Accidents

Highway construction accidents happen for many reasons.

Any work site can be dangerous, and highway construction areas are chiefly dangerous environments. For instance, work is often subcontracted to third parties who fail to meet standard safety rules and regulations. Now, let’s look at some important information concerning highway construction accidents.

Florida Highway Construction Accidents Facts

In 2012, there were 209 fatal work injuries in Florida alone, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The good news is that this was the lowest number fatalities since 1992 when statistics reporting began.

Out of these 209 deaths, roadway accidents were the most frequent type, causing 35 deaths and 17% of on-the-job fatalities in Florida. Pedestrian Vehicular incidents also caused 13 fatalities.

In 2010, a total of 87,606 road work accidents occurred nationwide, accounting for 1.6% of all roadway crashes (5,419,345).

Other Statistics Show That:

• Close to 70% of the highway construction accidents fatalities between 2003 and 2007 occurred between 8.00 A.M. and 5.00 P.M.
• Out of all road work accidents in 2010, 0.6% resulted in fatalities, 30% resulted in injuries and 69% resulted in property damage only.
• A study of 5 states showed that 72.7% of work zone crashes led to property damage only.
• There were 37,476 total work zone injuries in 2010, which is close to one injury every 14 minutes for a total of 102 per day.

Common Causes Of Highway Construction Accidents

Many factors must be considered when determining the cause of a highway construction accident.

Let’s look at the most common ones.

Extreme weather conditions make driving more difficult and turn construction sites into accident-prone areas. This usually happens when construction companies fails to anticipate the effects of bad weather, especially the effects on drivers.

Sites that are located near roads where vehicles travel at high speeds can also trigger accidents. This is especially true when the company has put the necessary road signs in place.

Construction site equipment collisions are also possible if a driver fails to observe traffic safety or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Lack of proper signage is a huge accident factor. Unmarked road hazards, like sharp curves, may hinder the driver from slowing down when they come upon the construction area.

Also, debris from the construction site, no matter how small, can cause highway construction accidents, especially for motorcyclists.

Most work zone accidents involve motorcycle crashes, since even the smallest object on the road can throw a motorcyclist off balance.

Highway construction sites that are located on curbs or hills also make it difficult for drivers to slow down in time to avoid highway construction workers. It is crucial be extra cautious and follow the road signs.

Most of the time, state authorities hire independent contractors to perform highway maintenance. In some cases, these companies might not be totally familiar with all state safety laws regarding construction, creating an additional. In areas where construction projects are ongoing.

Highway Construction Accidents Prevention

Fortunately, most work zone accidents result in property damage only. However, the small number that result in injuries, or death, can be prevented if the correct measures are taken. What can you do?

If you are a driver:

• Use a seatbelt at all times. Only let passengers ride with you if a seatbelt is available.
• Always driver within the speed limit – not “close” to it.
• Don’t drive if you are fatigued or intoxicated in any way.
• Use the four-second rule for following distance.
• Avoid road rage situations. Always keep your cool.
• Look around as much as possible.
• Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving. Essentially, do nothing that can distract you from perceiving the situation on the road.

If you work at a construction site or employ construction workers:

• Require all workers to wear high-visibility clothing and head-protecting helmets.
• Use, or require the use of, barriers and traffic control efforts when working on or near public roads.
• Hold frequent safety meetings with your crew, especially before night shifts.

An increasing number of insurance companies now require their contractors to exercise and warm-up before starting work. This includes everyone on the work team. This is a great way to “wake up” your work force, both physically and mentally, helping them become more aware to possible safety problems.

Dealing with Florida Highway Construction Accidents

As we saw, there are many highway construction projects that drivers encounter on the road. Although road maintenance and construction is important, it also creates road hazards. These hazards often lead to accidents that might injure or even kill drivers, passersby or construction workers.

Construction projects should be done in a timely manner, and they should always be protected from accidents that can cause injuries. Construction companies and contractors have an obligation to ensure public safety.

Our firm has spent years representing clients who have been injured in highway construction accidents, and we firmly believe that incidents like these are coincidental.

If you have been injured in such an accident, do not hesitate to give us a call.

We are extremely familiar with safety laws and can easily identify regulatory violations that have been committed. Violations like defective construction equipment, lack of proper signage and other accident factors will be thoroughly examined. We always seek the maximum compensation available within the confines of the law for the injured person.

Our lawyers understand that being a victim of a highway construction accident causes both financial hardship and emotional stress.

That’s why we encourage our clients to fight for their rights and hold the liable person accountable. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call us today. Or, get in touch with us via email.