At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our vehicle collision and injury attorneys in Georgia know that our state is no stranger to road construction zones.
To minimize inconvenience, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) says it conducts most road construction and maintenance without closing roads to traffic. This poses a traffic hazard to drivers, their passengers, and the crew members working on the road.
Whether you work in an office or on the road, everyone deserves to get home safely.
Top Safety Tips When Traveling Road Construction Zones in Georgia
Statistics show that 12,640 crashes in road construction zones resulted in 4,236 serious injuries last year throughout the state and that 57 people were killed, some of whom were GDOT employees and contractors.
Nationwide, the general public accounts for 82% of work zone fatalities.
To help keep drivers, passengers, and road workers safe:
- Pay attention and focus on the task of driving.
Any minor distraction, including cellphones, onboard electronics, passenger interaction, or even reaching for food, beverages, or an object anywhere inside the vehicle, can take your eyes off the road long enough to cause a severe crash.
- Watch for changing speed limits and slow down.
Construction zones are always accompanied by the need to reduce your speed. Because of the changing landscape, shifting lanes, heavy machinery, and workers entering and exiting the area, drivers MUST slow down to effectively react to any unexpected circumstances.
- Follow the updated roadwork signage.
Orange signs, cones, and barriers easily identify construction zones that provide crucial information about lane closures, detours, and potential hazards. Motorists must pay close attention to their instructions so they can safely navigate the changes in the road.
- Do not tailgate or abruptly change lanes.
Construction zones often require sudden stops because of backed-up traffic or workers entering and exiting the areas using large equipment. Allowing more room between you and the vehicle in front of you gives everyone enough time to stop safely, if necessary, and avoid a potential chain reaction wreck.
In addition, lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, and roadwork crews are potential hazards. Failing to prepare for these conditions at first sight of the signs and making last-minute lane changes can lead to severe collisions.
- Obey flaggers and workers.
Construction personnel provide direction that helps keep everyone safe. Follow their instructions to help maintain a steady traffic flow through the construction zone.
- Plan and be patient.
Road construction zones almost always mean delays. It is essential to stay calm, be patient, and avoid becoming frustrated by delays and taking it out on other drivers.
Search your travel route on your cellphone or onboard GPS before putting your car in drive to locate construction zones and plan your travel around them.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we hope you or someone you love never need us. However, if you are injured or tragically lose a loved one to negligence in a work zone or other vehicle collision, contact our skilled Georgia personal injury lawyers and support team today at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation so we can tell your story and ensure your voice is heard by pursuing the best outcome for your unique case.