Every April, New York and other states recognize Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. This week encourages drivers to brush up on their safe driving skills in highway construction zones, the number of which typically increase as warm weather moves in.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) work together to improve safety on U.S. roads. Facts from these administrations about work zone safety include:
- In the past five years, over 4,400 people have lost their lives in construction zone crashes, and another 200,000 were injured.
- Drivers and passengers account for 85 percent of work zone accident deaths.
- The most common type of work zone crash is a rear-end crash. Many of these rear-end accidents can be prevented by drivers who pay attention to the road, maintain a safe speed for conditions, and do not tailgate traffic in work zones.
- Summer and fall are the most common seasons for work zone accidents, but these crashes can happen at any time of year.
- The most common causes of work zone crashes are speeding and driver inattention.
Drivers can help protect themselves, their passengers, and others on the road by planning extra time to navigate work zones. When approaching a work zone, minimize distractions, reduce your speed, and merge into the proper lane as soon as possible. Keep a safe following distance between your own vehicle and the one ahead of you.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, our experienced New York car accident attorneys can help you protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (212) 986-7353 to learn more.