Vehicle safety in a construction zone

Pennsylvania roadways are often clogged by construction projects. Whether it is a new overpass, new shoulders, widening lanes or installing a new exit ramp, drivers up and down the state’s highway system will likely have to deal with delays and lane switches. Unfortunately, driving in a work zone might be more hazardous than you at first realized.

A pamphlet distributed by the Work Zone Safety Consortium highlights several tips to consider while driving through a highway construction zone:

• Pay attention to the road: Driving distractions can run the gamut from talking on a cell phone, talking to a passenger, eating, drinking, reading or personal grooming. By eliminating these distractions, drivers can pay close attention to the traffic and warning signs around them.
• Pay attention to warning signs: Traffic signs and flaggers are in place to ensure drivers are aware of upcoming hazards. From changing speed limits and changing traffic patterns to lane merges and lane narrowing, drivers can stay aware of any danger they might face.
• Pay attention to the cars around you: This can mean those on every side. Numerous studies agree that rear-end collisions are the most common type of collisions in work zones. Drivers can counter this by increasing their stopping distance and not tailgating. Additionally, drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to their blind spot when merging or changing lanes. Even with the advent of numerous technologies to assist in monitoring a car’s blind spot, there is no substitute for a quick manual check.

Motor vehicle collisions can result in catastrophic injuries. Vehicle occupants can suffer head injuries, brain damage, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, burn injuries, multiple fractures and amputation. If you were injured in a work zone crash, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced legal professional.