Drivers take precautions to help them drive safely and avoid accidents. When drivers remain alert, they can prepare for the road ahead. This could be avoiding an obstruction, merging lanes if a lane closes, and slowing down if they’re approaching a work zone. If a driver is reckless in a work zone, they can cause an accident. When a car accident results in injuries to you or a loved one, you can seek compensation for your injuries and damages. A Charleston car accident lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC can help you with your claim.
Our lawyers can guide you through the complex legal system so you get the compensation you deserve. We’ll be at your side every step of the way. Before learning more about how we can help you, let’s go over work zone accident statistics in West Virginia.
West Virginia Work Zone Accident Statistics
West Virginia has had 1,794 crashes over the past five years in work zones. As a result of those crashes, 15 people lost their lives, 509 people were injured, and there were 1,270 personal property damage reports.
Work zones can cause reduced lanes, which can cause traffic buildup. The overall speed limit will likely reduce as well. At a work zone, highway construction workers, equipment, and traffic cones may be on the scene. This can be a lot of information to take in at once and drivers need to be prepared to slow down and remain alert.
Work zone crashes are preventable. Drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving so they can navigate the work zone safely. Let’s take a look at how drivers can stay safe in a work zone.
How to Drive Safely Through a Work Zone
Here are some safety tips for when you’re driving through a work zone. Following these will help you avoid accidents.
If the work zone has a posted speed limit, slow down to match that speed limit. If you’re using a navigational app, it may not register the work zone and could tell you the speed limit for the highway. Pay attention to the orange signs alerting the drivers of the speed limit change. As you approach the work zone, you may find that traffic has slowed down below the adjusted speed limit. Make sure to slow down so you remain in control of your vehicle.
Allow space between you and the vehicle in front of you. When work zones cause a bottleneck, sometimes there can be standstill traffic, or you’re traveling at slow speeds. You may be frequently stopping and inching forward. Because of how unpredictable traffic flow can be in a work zone, do not follow the vehicle in front of you too closely. If you don’t give them enough space and they brake suddenly, you may crash into the back of their car.
Stay off your phone. There is never a safe time to use your phone while driving. Distracted driving can easily cause accidents. Traffic flow, highway construction workers, and equipment are all items you need to pay attention to. When your eyes are fixated on your phone, you may not even notice someone working alongside the road, or if your vehicle is veering off course.
It’s also important to stay patient. No one wants to be in traffic or slow down to a crawl when they’ve been traveling at normal highway speeds. However, work zones are not often large areas. The work zone could add a few minutes to your drive, but by staying alert and following safety tips, you’ll be able to get through it in no time.
While you can practice safe work zone driving behaviors, other drivers may not be as focused on safety. When they are negligent, whether it’s by speeding through the work zone, looking at their phone, or caused an accident because they were following too closely, our car accident attorneys are here to help you.
Get Help from a West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
Accidents can happen quickly and with little to no warning. While the accident may have only taken seconds, they could cause injuries that will take weeks or months to heal. When you’re facing medical bills, missing work, and other damages, our lawyers are here for you.
DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC has experience in representing those who have been harmed in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence. We’ll do everything we can to fight for your rights to fair compensation. Seek your legal options in a free consultation.
