If you think you have ever had a dangerous job, think of highway construction workers. On average, 37,000 highway construction workers suffer injuries every year in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When you factor in distracted driving, impaired driving and aggressive driving, it makes you wonder why anyone would choose such an occupation.
However, highway workers are vital to maintaining roads and highways and improving our daily commute. Always be on the lookout for orange barrels, flaggers, road barriers, warning signs, orange cones, reflective fencing and parked construction vehicles.
Even with all of the safety measures in place to protect road workers, driver behavior is still the leading cause of construction zone car crashes. The following driver errors can cause serious and fatal accidents near construction zones:
· Speed – drivers do not slow down despite the warnings about reduced speed ahead
· Impatience – in a rush to get to their destination, drivers fail to appreciate the danger and presence of workers
· Inattentiveness – drivers simply are not paying attention as they pass through a work zone despite all the warnings
Respect the highway workers and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. If you suffer injuries in any type of car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our office for a free case review.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury attorneys