Some Things To Be Aware Of During Work Zone Safety Week

This week is Work Zone Safety Week and it marks the peak of the construction season as many crews are out repairing roads from the winter cold.  While this past winter was relatively mild there are still potholes and damaged roads that need to be repaired over the spring before traffic increases during the spring and fall months.  It is important that while you’re sharing the road with these construction crews you are aware that some of your actions can lead to a New Haven auto accident and cause you to become injured or injure a worker who is on a job site.

When construction crews head out to do the necessary repairs on our roads they are putting their trust and lives in your hands along with all of the other drivers who are sharing the road with you.  You need to be able to reward that trust by keeping them safe so they can do their job effectively and the roads can remain safe to pass throughout the year.

When you’re traveling during the spring and summer months you will want to make sure you pay extra close attention to the side roads where work crews are most likely to be working and do your best to follow all of the items below so you can keep yourself and others on the road safe.

Rule #1: Slow down.  You may see signs that are posted that indicate that fines are doubled in work zones and that is true throughout Connecticut and other states as well.  Along with fines though, speeding through a work zone is one way you can put yourself and the workers at great risk of becoming injured.  If you travel below the speed limit in work zones you will be much less likely to get into an accident and cause damage to the work site, to your vehicle and to the worker who is performing their job.  Spending a little extra time will go a long way to keeping everyone on the road safe.

Rule #2: Follow all posted signs.  There may be signs in a work zone that you are not accustomed to seeing when driving regularly so you need to always be paying attention to what they say and what is required of you when you pass the sign.  If you don’t pay attention to the posted sign and follow the rules of the sign you may be putting yourself or the workers in jeopardy.  Signs are not there as suggestions they are there to alter the typical rules of the road to protect those that are working in the work zone and they need to be followed.

Rule #3: Never drive distracted.  Distracted driving is always something you should avoid doing, but this is especially true in a work zone.  One of the most dangerous things you can do, especially when a road is narrow or rerouted is to not pay attention to the road in front of you and the vehicles that you are sharing the road with.  If you are distracted you will not be able to keep your head up and know how your actions are affecting those around you.  Your phone should never be out while you’re driving, but if you have it out and you’re approaching a work zone, put it away immediately.

There is no way that a New Haven auto accident in a work zone can be completely avoided, that is the nature of an accident, but taking the steps described above will go a long way in keeping you, your passengers and the workers at these sites safe from harm.  If you follow these rules and drive cautiously through work zones then Work Zone Safety Week will have been a success and you can breathe easier knowing that you doing what is necessary to keep all those who you are sharing the road with safe and free from injury.

If you do get into an accident, whether it is in a work zone or not, you may want to speak with an experienced attorney.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you on how you can protect your long-term interests.