Posted on Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 at 2:23 am    

AVOIDING CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENTS

It is a necessary evil — road construction zones. In some areas, it seems as if roads are always under construction. Whether it is widening the road, adding turning lanes, painting lines, repaving, or filling in potholes, road construction is something that all drivers must deal with from time to time along with the traffic jams caused by construction zones. Unfortunately, drivers must also deal with the accidents to occur in construction and work zones.

Work Zone Accident Statistics

According to information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, a work zone accident occurs about every 5.4 minutes. During 2015, approximately 70 work zone crashes injured at least one person each day. That same year, 12 work zone crashes each week resulted in a fatality. Other statistics from the USDOT include:

  • 96,626 work zone crashes occurred in 2015, a 7.8 percent increase from 2014 and a 42 percent increase since 2013
  • 73 percent of the 2015 work zone crashes were property only crashes
  • 4 percent of the 2015 work zone crashes resulted in an injury
  • 7 percent (642) of the 2015 work zone crashes resulted in a fatality

Even one injury or fatality in a work zone is one too many for the family impacted by the accident.

How to Avoid Work Zone Accidents

Even though there is nothing you can do about construction zones, there are steps you can take as a driver to reduce the risk of being involved in a construction zone accident:

  • Slow Down — Speeding limits in work zones are lower to protect workers and to protect you. Driving slower through a work zone gives you additional time to react to situations including sudden lane changes, uneven pavement, equipment or debris in the road, etc. In addition to avoiding an accident, slowing down in a work zone helps you avoid an expensive traffic ticket.
  • Avoid Distractions — Distracted driving is dangerous under any condition, but especially when you are in a construction zone. Leave texting, putting on makeup, eating, reading, talking on the phone, or adjusting vehicle settings for a time when you are parked. If passengers are loud, ask them to quiet down while you navigate the construction zone.
  • Pay Attention to Your Surroundings — Avoiding distractions and reducing speed are only two parts of the equation. You must pay attention to your surroundings when approaching and driving through a work zone. Look for signs and workers giving you directions for driving through the zone. Instead of looking at the construction work, keep your eyes and mind focused on the road ahead to avoid accidents.

Construction Zone Accidents

Even though you take every precaution a safe driver can take to avoid a crash, you cannot control what others do in a work zone. Other drivers and even construction workers can cause collisions. If you are injured in a work zone, it is important to work with an attorney to determine who is liable for your injuries. If your claim involves a government agency, you must act quickly to protect your right to pursue a claim.

Don’t wait — call now for a free consultation!

Contact Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.