Tips to Help Prevent Auto Accidents in Construction Work Zones

Construction work is necessary in order to keep our roads safe for drivers year-round; unfortunately, when these projects are underway, construction work zones themselves pose significant safety risks to motorists and workers alike. More than 770 individuals lose their lives in work zone crashes every year, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) — it is crucial that precautions are taken to change these statistics. To do your part in keeping your community safe, follow The Beasley Firm’s simple accident prevention tips.

5 Work Zone Crash Prevention Tips

1. Pay Attention

It is never a good idea to drive while distracted, and that is especially true when driving through work zones. Do not text, eat, or fiddle with the radio or your phone while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and look out for any signs or workers. While they should be in a safe area, it is not unusual for a worker to momentarily be in a position in which they are not adequately protected from oncoming traffic.

2. Slow Down

When you first approach a sign warning of a work zone or see road construction ahead of you, it is safest to slow down and proceed with caution. Even if you are running late, it is better to err on the side of caution by driving slowly until you are completely out of the work zone. This way, things like road and lane closures will not creep up on you.

3. Obey Signs and Road Flaggers

Once you are in the work zone, make sure to watch out for any signs and road flaggers. Work zones can sometimes be very disorganized, but paying attention to signs, flaggers, and other drivers can prevent a variety of accidents from happening.

4. Keep a Safe Distance

Make sure to keep a safe distance from construction workers and road flaggers, as well as to leave plenty of room between yourself and the motorist in front of you. Tailgating can lead to minor collisions, such as fender benders, which will not only inconvenience you but also cause more confusion in the work zone.

5. Ask for Help

If you are driving with a passenger, kindly ask them to lend an additional set of eyes to watch out for workers, pedestrians, and the like as you pass through a construction work zone. If you need help with navigation or anything else that would take your attention off the road, they may be able to help by taking care of whatever it is for you.

Injured in a Construction Work Zone? Call (215) 918-7390.

At The Beasley Firm, we have been representing injured Philadelphia residents since 1958 and have recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for our clients. If you have been injured in a construction accident or collision with a passenger vehicle or commercial truck, our attorneys are prepared to hold the liable party accountable for their actions on your behalf. We have obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the state of Pennsylvania, and should you work with us, we will apply the same award-winning legal prowess to your case.

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