Work Zones Increase Risk of Accidents for Workers and Drivers

November 30, 2012

Work Zones Increase Risk of Accidents for Workers and Drivers

Drivers in Illinois are more than familiar with construction work zones and probably identify them more as an inconvenience than as area of increased traffic accident risk. But, every year in Illinois more than 7,000 motor vehicle crashes occur in work zones. Last year 24 people died in work zone traffic accidents. Of those deaths 21 were drivers and passengers of vehicles, one was a pedestrian in a work zone and two were construction workers. Therefore, being aware of roadside construction signs and slowing down is just as important to the safety of motorists and it is to construction workers.

Car Accidents in Work Zones

While the number of work zone fatalities has significantly decreased since 2003, there has been a slight increase in work zone fatalities each year since 2008. The Illinois Department of Transportation has developed multiple initiatives to try and reduce the number of car accidents that occur in work zones throughout the state. One of those initiatives is the Orange Ribbon Campaign, which asks drivers to slow down when seeing orange. IDOT has also implemented a public service announcement and changeable message boards to educate the public on work zone safety. Drivers who disregard work zone warning signs should be aware of increased ground and air patrols by the Illinois State Police to enforce work zone laws and new laws that apply to work zones.

To reduce accidents in construction zones on the highway, speeding is against the law in work zones, but the penalties may be surprising. The penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375 for a first time offense, $1000 for subsequent offenses, and a 90 day suspension of license. Moreover, the law is enforced by a zero-tolerance policy and Illinois State Police gain assistance with a photo enforcement law which allows state police to photograph the front and rear license plates of a speeding car as well as picture of the driver. Distracted driving also contributes to work zone traffic accidents and is subject to new laws as well.

Distracted Driving in Work Zones

Two recent distracted driving laws effectively ban any cellphone use by drivers while traveling through a work zone. Drivers are prohibited from talking on a cellphone while driving through a work zone, and drivers are also prohibited from texting, emailing or surfing the internet while driving on any road in Illinois. Fines for violations begin at $75. Finally, motorists should be aware of the tough penalty if a worker is hit within a construction zone. If a motorist injures or kills a worker within a work zone, the driver could face up to $10,000 in fines and 14 years in jail. To prevent a traffic accident from occurring in a work zone, motorists can take some precautions.

Precautionary Measures Than Can Help Prevent Accidents

To begin, motorists should slow down. The speed limit within work zones is usually 45 mph whether workers are present or not, and drivers can expect lower speed limits wherever normal road conditions do not exist, such as narrow lanes or edge drop offs. Motorists should remember the posted speed limits are the law and are not a suggestion. Motorists should also follow the signs provided by flaggers and arrow boards. Directions given by flaggers are meant to safely guide drivers through construction zones. Even though traffic in work zones can be extremely frustrating, drivers should be patient and remain alert to changes in traffic flow. Similarly, drivers should make sure they provide enough room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. Sufficient space will make sure drivers can safely stop their vehicles if traffic suddenly comes to a halt. Finally, motorists need to be seen by workers. Therefore drivers should turn on their headlights through work zones and drivers of large trucks should use emergency flashers to warn motorists they need to slow down.

These measures can help prevent car accidents and injury within work zones. If you or a loved one has been in a traffic accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to review your legal rights and begin your path to recovery.

Article provided by Ripplinger & Zimmer, L.L.C.
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