For residents of Freehold and the surrounding Monmouth County areas, encountering construction as part of your work commute or when out running errands is a regular occurrence. While sitting in the traffic that often surrounds work zones is frustrating, a bigger concern is the increased risks these areas pose in terms of car accidents and injuries. If you encounter construction while on the road, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and ways you can protect yourself.
Road Construction Hazards
The construction field is one of the most dangerous occupations and road workers are among those that face the greatest risks. Laying the groundwork for new roads, bridges, sidewalks, and underpasses while doing repairs alongside fast moving traffic leaves them vulnerable. Unfortunately, it creates dangers for motorists, as well.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the complex array of road signs, tools, motorized equipment, and workers found in road construction zones can all create confusion for passing motorists. As a result, it increases their risks of car accidents and injuries. Among the leading dangers include:
- Sudden stops and unexpectedly heavy traffic conditions around road construction sites;
- Problems interpreting gestures made by flaggers directing traffic through construction areas;
- Uneven road surfaces, such as exposed gravel and speed bumps;
- More narrow lanes, which often have concrete barriers and little room for pulling over;
- Having to merge with other drivers as you approach construction sites;
- Drivers who swerve into other lanes to avoid traffic cones or machinery;
- Navigational errors due to reversed or unmarked roads and lanes;
- Collisions with dump trucks, earth movers, cement mixers, and other road construction equipment.
Reducing Accident Risks at Road Construction Sites
Road construction is required for repairs and to accommodate increases in drivers. Unfortunately, it comes at a heavy cost. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), accidents in road construction zones claim the lives of more than 100 workers each year. They also prove fatal for nearly 700 drivers and their passengers while causing serious injuries for thousands of others. To protect yourself and reduce the risk of these types of crashes, it is important to follow these tips:
- Check with the Monmouth County Department of Public Works to find out if road construction is being performed in your area.
- Watch for signs and slow your speed in construction zones.
- Keep both hands on the wheel at all times when driving in areas under construction.
- Be alert for sudden stops.
- Be patient with delays and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, failing to yield, or honking your horn.
- Avoid distractions such as talking on the phone, texting, or changing GPS settings, both while in construction areas and anytime you are on the road.
Reach Out to Our Freehold, NJ Car Accident Attorney
At Lomurro Law, we provide aggressive legal representation to help you get compensation when accidents and injuries occur. To discuss how we can help you, contact our Freehold, NJ car accident attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
