The summer is a prime time for travel, but it is also a popular time for road construction. With this in mind, if you are headed out on the highways, you are likely to encounter work zones. As inconvenient as the traffic, reduced speed, and detours may be, the presence of highway work zones carries with it the promise of smoother travels once the work is complete. Unfortunately, the men and women who work on our roads put their lives on the line every time they enter a work zone. Tragically, each year, accidents in work zones claim the lives of numerous road construction workers. As such, it is important that drivers educate themselves about work zone safety and do their part to keep highway construction workers safe.
One of the most important things that drivers can do is to remain alert and aware of their surroundings. Work zones are clearly delineated, and all of the information that drivers need in order to get through them safely is usually right there on the road. Speed limit signs instruct drivers as to how fast they can go within a work zone. Cones, barrels, flashing lights, and barriers provide physical cues for drivers so that they can know where to drive in order to navigate through the work zone. In some work zones, the road is only able to accommodate one lane of traffic at a time. In these situations, flaggers control the flow of traffic so that everyone is given a turn to pass through the area. Unfortunately, when drivers are fatigued or distracted, they are likely to miss some of this important information. When drivers see signs too late or miss them entirely, they may drive right into a work zone, killing or injuring workers.
Drivers and their passengers can also be hurt or killed in work zone accidents. They can be injured in the same types of crashes that can hurt and kill highway workers, or they can be involved in accidents with vehicles that are entering or leaving the work zones if they do not see them in time to respond to their presence in the roadway. The best ways for drivers to keep themselves, their passengers, and highway construction workers safe is to avoid driving when they are tired or fatigued and to avoid cell phones and other distractions while driving.
Barrett Law PLLC: Legal Assistance for Mississippi Car Accident Victims
If you were hurt or if someone you love was killed in a work zone accident, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help you during this difficult time. Work zone accident victims may face lengthy recovery times and long absences from work, and families who have lost loved ones may experience difficulties in trying to put the pieces of their lives back together following a devastating loss. To learn more about how we can help you, please call our office today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule a free consultation.