This week, Florida is celebrating National Work Zone Safety Week. This year’s theme, provided by The National Work Zone Safety Awareness Information Clearinghouse, is “Safer driving. Safer work zones.”
The Florida Department of Transportation and other agencies are urging Floridians to practice safe driving habits not only through our construction zones, but around emergency responders as well in attempt to reduce the risks for a West Palm Beach car accidents.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys urge drivers to be on alert in these areas as nearly 700 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in highway work zones in 2009, according to the National Work Zone Safety Awareness Information Clearinghouse. In the same year, more than 30,000 people were injured. The ones mostly affected by these work zone accidents are motorists, accounting for 85 percent of those killed. Florida experienced nearly 100 fatalities from these work zone car accidents.
Florida’s Move Over Law, was put into effect back in 2009 to help protect our emergency responders and road workers in construction areas.
How do you protect yourself and others in work zones? The National Work Zone Safety Awareness Information Clearinghouse offers you these safe driving tips:
-Think ahead. If you know you’ll pass through a work zone during your journey, leave earlier to allow more time or find a different route.
-Watch out for workers and other vehicles in these work zones. Be sure to keep a safe distance between you and all obstructing objects.
-Merge as quickly and as safely as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute. Getting in the proper lane well in advance will only decrease your risk of experiencing a compromising situation.
-Put away all potential distractions. It is especially important for you to avoid driving while distracted in these zones as any small, unexpected movement can cause injury to you, other motorists or workers.
The Florida Department of Transportation offers this public service announcement to share with friends and family in attempt to raise awareness of work zone safety in our local motorists.
If you or a loved one has been in a work zone accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas, contact the personal injury lawyers at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez. Call for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights at 1-800-529-2368.