Hazardous Highway Construction Zone Corrected Without Incident

A dangerous situation on an area highway was corrected recently before any injuries resulted when a mishap on a construction site on Interstate 75 occurred. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that machinery in use during bridge construction on a ramp knocked pieces of a temporary guardrail onto the roadway below, creating a hazardous condition on the highway. The affected lanes were shut down and traffic was diverted until the debris could be cleared and the machinery removed. While a pickup truck was damaged as a result of the incident, no injuries were incurred – certainly a miraculous outcome in a situation that could have ended much differently.

Dangers Of Road Construction Zones For Drivers And Workers Alike

Any time there is road construction, there is an increased possibility of accidents and a greater need for caution. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that roadway work zones are hazardous not only for the workers who are employed to labor on and along our nation’s highways but also for the countless drivers who pass through the work zones and are required to navigate the changes in traffic patterns and obstacles that may be encountered. In 2012, Florida ranked in the top three states along with Texas and California for crash fatalities in construction and maintenance work zones. The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that most of the deaths that occur in road construction work zones are the result of the road construction worker being struck by a construction vehicle or other type of construction equipment; in fact, it is just as likely that he or she will be struck by construction equipment as they are to be struck by traffic itself.

National Work Zone Awareness Week

Each spring, the Federal Highway Administration holds a campaign at the beginning of road construction season to highlight the need to drive safely in highway work zones. This year the theme was “Don’t Be That Driver!” – and the focus was on making drivers aware of the need to remain alert and prepared for changing work zone conditions. Limiting – or, even better, eliminating – distractions while driving through road construction work zones helps to keep not only drivers safer, but the road construction workers as well. Distractions include anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving and may be visual, manual, or cognitive, whether it is taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, or taking your mind off your driving. This annual campaign to raise awareness of road construction zone safety began in 2000 and has grown ever since. Doubtlessly, it has helped to reduce injuries stemming from road construction zone accidents and save lives of drivers and roadway workers alike.

Let Us Assist You with Your Case

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a construction accident, whether it was a traditional construction worksite or a road construction worksite, our attorneys are here to help you recover for your losses. At Boone & Davis, we have a wide variety of experience handling all types of construction accident cases. During your free consultation, we will discuss the issues involved in your case and help you understand your rights and responsibilities. Contact us today in Fort Lauderdale online or call us at 954.556.5260 to get started today.