To avoid work zone car accidents in the future, please review this post. Work zone safety is important not only to protect those who build and maintain our highways, but also to protect motorists. About 80% of those killed in crashes that occur in work zones are drivers and their passengers. Preventable rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash. Simple things, such as slowing down, obeying signs and flaggers, and preparing for lane restrictions, help keep everyone safe. Please review to avoid work zone car accidents in the future.
9 Safety Tips for Driving Through Work Zones:
- Expect the unexpected
- Slow down
- Keep a safe distance
- Pay attention
- Obey road crew flaggers
- Stay alert and minimize distractions
- Keep up with traffic flow
- Check road conditions before you travel
- Be patient and stay calm
The Arizona Department of Transportation has joined other safety agencies across the country in promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 26-30) to focus attention on the need for drivers to stay alert, recognize they’re entering an area where construction or other workers could be at risk, and to embrace life-saving actions that include slowing down.
A number of ADOT’s electronic signs along state highways and freeways are displaying safety messages this week, including “Safe Drivers, Safe Workers, Safe Work Zones” and “Give ‘Em A Brake, Stay Alert in Work Zones.”
WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY MAY BE LIABLE
Construction companies, their crew, managers, or contractors, may be liable if they did not take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity of a construction zone. Companies and site managers have a duty to make a construction zone safe, both for employees and the public, by not creating dangers and also warning of potential dangers that may exist. Additionally, construction companies can generally be held vicariously liable for the negligence of their workers and subcontractors.
WHEN A DRIVER MAY BE LIABLE
There are times when the actions of a driver may cause an accident. If, for example, a driver was distracted and crashed into equipment or another vehicle that properly slowed down or stopped. In those scenarios, the negligent driver is at-fault and shall be responsible for injuries and property damage.
Common Highway Construction Zone Hazards
Potential hazards that commonly contribute to highway construction zone accidents include:
- Speeding cars
- Distracted driving
- Sudden, unexpected detours
- Failure to follow temporary traffic signs and patterns
- Uneven road surfaces
- Improper or dangerous merging
- Improperly marked or uneven lanes
- Debris or equipment left in roadway
- Inadequate lighting
- Open manholes
- Poor road signage
- Bad blind-spots when operating large construction vehicles
- Workers doing repairs in close proximity to passing traffic
For more information on Arizona highway construction zone safety, see the following resources: