Many people make their living working on roads and highways
in construction. These workers can be overlooked by others as just people who
are always on the highways doing their jobs. But working in construction is not
as safe as working in an office. They have to be mindful of other drivers, and
drivers need to be extremely mindful of them. Roadway work zones are very
common as improvements and additions are always being made. There are
construction workers present at these types of roadway sites every day, so it
is important to be educated on highway work zone safety.
Fatalities in construction and maintenance work zones
averaged 669 from 2007 through 2012. They reached a peak of 1,095 in 2003,
declining to 609 in 2012. Texas, California, and Florida ranked as the three
states with the most motor vehicle crash fatalities in construction and
maintenance work zones in 2012 – each with at least 50 deaths.
Here are some driving safety tips to keep in mind when
passing by construction zones:
-
Stay alert and pay attention at all times while
behind the wheel. Distractions can cause you to miss signs that are supposed to
alert you of upcoming construction zones, as well as stopped vehicles.
-
Adhere to posted speed limit signs within work
zones, as well as before reaching them. Upcoming construction zones approach
quickly and it’s better to slow down sooner than required than when it’s too
late.
-
Resume normal highway speeds only after you see
roadway signs alerting you to the end of a work zone.
-
Maintain at least three car-lengths between
yourself and other vehicles. This is equivalent to counting two seconds from
the time the vehicle in front of you passes an object until you pass that same
object.
-
When construction equipment, workers, barriers,
and vehicles are present, it is important to maintain a safe distance from
them.
-
Remain calm and avoid rushing while in
construction zones. You should expect delays and know that in the end, the
construction zones are meant to help highways operate more smoothly for all
users.
Speed, Space, and Stress are the three “S’s” of work zone
safety. So it’s important to manage your speed, manage your space, and manage
your stress on the road. Following these tips can help you avoid being part on
an accident that is perfectly preventable, and can help you save a life.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
