Avoiding Work-Zone-Related Crashes

One of the most confusing – and often dangerous – places to drive is through a work zone area. The changing lanes, warning barrels, signs, flashing lights, and construction vehicles and workers can make for a confusing and hazardous drive. These conditions can and do lead to vehicle accidents.

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation, there is a work-zone-related crash every five minutes in this country. Rear-end crashes are one of the more common causes of these types of accidents. Our North Carolina accident attorneys have assisted numerous clients who were victims of work-zone-related accidents and understand that they can become complex depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Avoiding Work-Zone-Related Crashes

Although it is impossible to avoid all accidents, there are steps that drivers can take to minimize their risk of being in an accident in a road work zone.

When you are driving through an area that is undergoing construction, you want to keep as much of a safe distance as possible between your vehicle and the other vehicles around you. You also want to keep a safe distance from the workers on the road and any equipment and vehicles that are around. One of the worst things you can do is tailgate the vehicle in front of you. If they have to suddenly stop, you may not be able to stop in time and end up crashing into them.

It is also important to follow any directions the road crew flaggers give you. If they signal you to stop, there is a reason and you need to obey those signals. Not only for safety’s sake, but you could receive a traffic violation if you fail to listen. The direction from a flagger is equivalent to road signs and the risk of penalty for failing to obey the same. It is also just as important to heed whatever signage is in the area. Reduced speed limit signs, reductions of how many lanes, etc., are all critical to pay attention to avoid crashing.

And speaking of speed, the number one cause of work zone accidents is speeding. So, make sure to slow down and pay attention to those speed limit signs.

There are work zone crashes that occur not through any fault of a vehicle driver, but because the correct safety precautions were not maintained by the company or municipality that was performing the construction. These types of cases involve much more than regular motor vehicle crashes do, which is why you should consult with a Carolinas injury attorney for assistance.

Contact a North Carolina Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a work-zone crash, contact a North Carolina car accident attorney to discuss what legal options you may have and how best to proceed with your case.