The Correlation Between Construction Work and Car Accidents

Everyone dreads driving in construction zones because they are often dangerous and have too much traffic. However, most people often fear driving in these zones because there is an increase in traffic accidents. 

These car accidents are often serious because construction zones change the way people drive and see so it often makes it hard to drive safely. Keep in mind that construction zones also change the speed limit, change the traffic patterns, and decrease people’s visibility. If you have been involved in a car accident in a construction zone, contacting a personal injury law firm can help you with taking the next steps.

It’s no secret that construction zones cause an increase in car accidents. This guide will cover why and how you can avoid serious accidents while driving in construction zones. 

Speed Limit Changes 

As an experienced driver, you probably already know that speed limits change depending on where you are driving. In construction zones, the speed limits can change drastically in a very short period of time. 

For example, one moment you are driving 60 mph, and the next thing you know the speed limit is 40 mph without any warning because you have entered a construction zone. While some zones are well labeled, most are not and you find yourself suddenly driving way too fast and could cause an accident or get into an accident. 

When speeding in a construction zone, there are also more fines and more penalties so you’ll find that you now owe a hefty sum of money because you drove too fast near the construction zone. 

Construction Equipment Too Close to the Roads 

Almost every road construction project includes the use of heavy machinery and large trucks. This means there will often be large pieces of equipment on the side of the road right next to where people are driving. 

Construction vehicles also make sudden stops and drive very slowly even when they are in the middle of a high-speed highway. If a driver is not paying attention, they can easily get into a collision with one of these cars as they are trying to drive. 

This is why construction zones need to be well labelled and drivers need to pay extra attention to the signs showing that there is construction work ahead. Distracted drivers often get into accidents in construction zones so when nearing a place of construction, make sure you get off the phone and turn down your music so that you can give full attention to the road ahead. 

Changes in Traffic Patterns

You are probably used to driving the same route every day whether it be to school, work, or just to your favorite stores. When construction begins, you may find that the route you typically take has changed and it can be confusing to drive along the road. 

The most common changes to traffic patterns include a reduction in lanes, lanes that may shift suddenly, or lanes becoming very narrow. When a driver is not paying attention and the lanes narrow or shift, it can be easy for the car to collide with another car or scrape the sides of the car on the median. 

Sometimes cars even run into the construction equipment which can cause a number of different accidents. Collisions often happen very quickly when there are new traffic patterns making it a multiple-car accident. 

This is why it’s very important for construction workers and companies to put out the proper signs so that drivers have fair warning before entering the zone. 

Hazardous Conditions 

One of the main concerns when it comes to driving in construction zones is that the conditions are very hazardous. Sometimes the road can be very old and broken while the workers are changing the pavement or other conditions of the road. 

This means the roads are very uneven and it can make driving very difficult and bumping. This can cause the tires on the car to pop or have mechanical problems. Large construction projects also cause tons of debris to go out onto the roads. 

If something flies out into the road, you have to swerve quickly which can cause a sudden accident. When you swerve, you can hit the road barriers or you might even hit another car. 

Construction companies should be careful to mark the areas where debris can fly out onto the road so that drivers can be very slow and have enough time to move out of the way should there be something that goes out onto the road. 

Decreased Visibility 

When there is a large construction zone, there can be decreased visibility on the roads. If the construction takes place near a curve or around large trees, you might find it very hard to drive well because you cannot see what is ahead. 

Some parts of the road can also have significant traffic, especially during times of the day when everyone is headed to work or school at the same time. 

This causes the risk of a car crash to increase and drivers may find it difficult to stop or get out of the way quick enough due to decreased visibility. 

If you’re in a construction zone and see that there is decreased visibility, make sure to drive very slowly and always be aware of your surroundings. 

Final Thoughts 

Driving in construction zones is very stressful and overwhelming for everyone. When the road you typically travel suddenly has tons of construction, you might find yourself not able to get to work or school as quickly because there are new traffic patterns, hazardous conditions, and speed limit changes. 

If you have found yourself in an accident near a construction zone, you might be wondering what to do next. The best thing you can do is call a personal injury lawyer and see if you can get the compensation you deserve to recover from the injuries and trauma that you experienced. 

Our personal injury lawyers here in Denver have covered many cases where people have gotten into accidents in construction zones. They can help you recover and get the money you need to ensure your car and injuries are paid for.