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Community Corner

Avoid Motor Vehicle Accidents While Driving In Work Zones

National work zone awareness week is meant to call attention to motor vehicle accident avoidance.

As spring progresses, with winter potholes needing repair and the warmer weather bringing improved working conditions, road work will intensify on our highways, roads and bridges.

And this week has been designated as National Work Zone Awareness Week which is meant to call to our attention the need to be especially vigilant and careful when driving in work zones.

In 2009, there were 667 fatalities resulting from crashes in work zones. Although the number of work zone fatalities has been falling in recent years, that number is still far too high.

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Sadly, six of these work zone fatalities occurred on roadways located within Connecticut. All six work-zone fatalities in Connecticut in 2009 involved motorists. In fact, more than 80 percent of all injured victims in work zone motorist accidents were the motorists themselves.

Highway workers deserve a safe working environment, but given the statistics that establish the fact that the motorists are more likely to be injured, it is in the interest of every driver to minimize the risks associated with getting into an accident in a work zone.

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Therefore, in order to minimize the risk of getting into an accident in a work zone you should remember the following suggestions:

  • Read the Signs: There is generally a lot of signage when entering a work zone. Since you should be reducing your speed, it is important that you pay attention to and read all the signs as they will inform you of lowered speed limits, road conditions and unexpected hazards ahead.
  • Turn on Your Headlights: This will allow workers and other motorists to see your vehicle more easily.
  • Buckle Up: Your seatbelt should be on at all times while driving your vehicle.
  • Watch Your Speed: Work zone speed limits often change. Make sure not to speed, but keep up with the flow of traffic.
  • Do Not Tailgate: Connecticut statistics indicate that the highest percentages of work zone crashes are rear-end collisions. 
  • Slow Down: As you enter and proceed through work zones, expect the unexpected.
  • Do Not Change Lanes: Traffic will condense and vehicles will be changing their speeds as you enter the work zone. Minimize your risk by remaining in your lane.
  • Minimize Distractions: Put away your cell phone and wait until you are through the work zone to change the radio station.

 Following these easy steps, combined with being a responsible and courteous driver, will help to minimize the risks of crashing and causing injury to yourself or a defenseless highway worker.

Richard P. Hastings is a Connecticut personal injury lawyer at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP, with offices throughout the state.  He has been named a Connecticut Super Lawyer and is the author of the books: "The Crash Course on Child Injury Claims"; "The Crash Course on Personal Injury Claims in Connecticut"; and "The Crash Course on Motorcycle Accidents."  He can be reached at 1(888)CTLAW-00 or by visiting www.hcwlaw.com.

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