Construction Zone Auto Accidents
Serving West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, and the Port St. Lucie, Florida area
Tens of billions of dollars were given to the states for transportation projects as part of the government’s stimulus package. As a result of this, you many have noticed many more construction zones on the highways and city streets you travel. The ultimate goal of these construction projects is better roads and mass transit lines for all of us to travel on, and this is a good thing. One of the problems with this is that there is a higher chance that you or a loved one may be involved in a serious auto accident.
Behavior of Drivers in Construction Zones
Every year there are auto accidents that are a direct result of construction zones. One of the biggest reasons these accidents occur is that motorists are not paying attention. Speed, cell phone use, and other distractions become very dangerous when entering a construction zone. While some drivers may see construction zones as a major inconvenience and attempt to get through them as quickly as possible, this can lead to more aggressive driving. Suddenly accelerating or turning, or failing to yield the right-of-way can put you and other motorists around you in danger.
You should be able to tell you are entering a construction zone before you get to that zone. The most obvious way to tell is the sign notifying you of roadwork ahead. However, if you look away for just a second, you may miss the sign and not have time to adjust your driving behavior.
Construction Zone Safety Tips
- Obey posted speed limits
- Expect the unexpected
- Turn on headlights so other drivers may be able to see you
- Avoid cell phone use while driving through construction zones
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes
- Watch for construction workers
- Be alert, especially at night
- Be ready for lane shifts and merge when directed
- Expect delays, especially during peak driving times
- Keep distance between you and the vehicle in front of you
Construction Company Responsibility
Though you must be cautious of what is around you when driving through construction zones, they can still be unpredictable and dangerous. It is the responsibility of the construction company working in that area to put up cones and pylons when necessary, and to make sure drivers have ample warning they are approaching a construction zone. Construction companies also have a responsibility to make sure all lane changes are properly marked and easy for drivers to see.
Construction vehicles are usually much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. It is the responsibility of construction workers in the zone to make sure these vehicles do not veer into traffic and that both you and the construction workers are safe. Drivers should be warned about large construction equipment ahead and flaggers should be standing near the road telling drivers to slow down or stop. Failure to do this has caused auto accidents that result in serious injuries and fatalities.
When there is less room to maneuver, it is important that you do your part to make sure you and those around you are safe while driving through a construction zone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident while in a construction zone in the West Palm Beach, Florida area, please contact experienced personal injury attorney Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. for a free consultation today.
OFFICE LOCATION: 2090 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 402
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
1-800-GOLD-LAW
Call Toll Free 1-800-GOLD-LAW (465-3529)
The reader’s understanding of the information on this website about personal injury law does not constitute a formal legal relationship with the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. Please do not assume this content to be formal legal advice. If you would like to know if you have a valid personal injury case, please contact a attorney in Palm Beach County at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. today for a complimentary consultation regarding personal injury law in Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Port St. Lucie and Palm Beach County, Florida.