Ask any driver what they hate about spring and summer driving, and the answer is pretty much always the same—”road construction.” Road construction is a common complaint as it often creates backups, especially when traffic is particularly heavy. While construction can make driving more frustrating, it is important to remember that maintenance is necessary to keep our roadways safe. Drivers also need to bear in mind that despite best efforts, construction zones are dangerous for both the men and women at work and for the motorists that need to travel through the area. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were approximately 669 deaths in construction zones each year between 2007 and 2012. To do your part to make construction zones safer for everyone, follow these safety tips:
- Eliminate distractions. As soon as you see a sign prompting you that a construction zone is nearing, stop all possible distractions. Give your full attention to the roadway by stopping any telephone conversations (even hands-free), turning off the radio, and refraining from holding anything but the steering wheel. In other words, put down the coffee, cell phone, or sandwich in your hand. Drivers should always work to eliminate distractions when driving, but it is especially key when in a construction zone.
- Slow down. Even if you do not see a worker present, it is still important to follow the posted construction zone speed limit. Sometimes, workers are not present in all parts of the construction zone. The lowered speed limits are necessary to keep workers and motorists safe. Exceeding the posted speed limit in a construction zone is illegal and can result in a significant fine, even if workers are not present.
- Be on the lookout for flaggers. From time to time, construction zones will “flaggers” or people whose job it is to help motorists navigate a new traffic pattern. Often a sign will alert motorists that there are “flaggers ahead.” When you spot a flagger, slow down and follow the instructions given by the flagger. Assume that the flagger’s instructions overrule any other posted signs or traffic laws.
- Allow for a greater following distance. Flaggers often direct motorists to come to a stop, to allow construction activity to continue. To avoid a rear-end collision with the driver in front of you, motorists should allow for an increased following distance when driving through construction zones. A distance of two to three car lengths is normally sufficient.
- Do not wait to merge. It is common in construction zones to encounter a sign warning you that your lane is about to end. When you see such a sign, merge right away. Do not wait until the last minute to force your way over into the other lane. Construction zones are a cause of frustration for many motorists and cutting off a motorist who has promptly merged is not only rude but can lead to an accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle crash in a construction zone, allow the experienced Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. to provide you with valuable legal assistance. Our team of seasoned Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys will carefully review your case and be sure your rights are protected and that you obtain the compensation you deserve. Trust the Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. to help you, just as they have helped countless injury victims around the area, both in Kansas and Missouri. To find out how the attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can assist you, contact our office today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule a consultation. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. we pride ourselves on providing injury victims with outstanding legal services.