Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
About 1,000 people are killed in work zone accidents each and every year.
In 2007, there were nearly 11,250 car accidents in Florida work zones. These accidents resulted in nearly 8,300 injuries and more than 100 fatalities, according to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Many of these accidents, injuries and fatalities can be avoided by taking caution when traveling through road construction zones. Drivers need to be on their best behavior and keep all of their attention on the road to reduce their risks of an accident.
“When traveling through work zones, drivers should pay special attention to their surroundings, reduce their speed and free themselves from distractions such as eating and talking on a cell phone,” says Stephanie Kopelousos, Secretary of FDOT.
Our Davie car accident attorneys understand that there is a lot of road work going on in the area. Traffic is being rerouted, speed limits are reduced and some of our streets are getting awfully congested. Consider reviewing the following safety tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Highway Work Zone Safety Tips from FDOT:
-Always stay alert. You should expect the unexpected in these zones. Anything can happen when entering a work zone.
-Pay close attention to your surroundings. Be on the lookout for lane and speed changes, road signs and flaggers who are directing traffic.
-Keep your vehicle’s headlights on. Keeping your lights on will help other motorists and roadside workers to see you more easily.
-Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Rear-end accidents are some of the most common work accidents in work zones. Allow yourself with ample space to react to dangers.
-Keep it slow. You don’t want to speed in these areas especially since speeds are usually decreased in these areas. Follow all posted speed limit signs.
-Keep up with the traffic around you. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you.
-Avoid changing lanes in a work zone. Get into your proper lane before you get into the work zone.
-Keep distractions out of the driver’s seat. Don’t mess with the radio and keep the cell phone out of your hand.
-It’s important to not only keep an eye on the cars around you, but also on the workers and their equipment.
-Calm down. Expect delays in these areas. Keep your cool and allow yourself with extra time to get through these areas.
-Be patient. Remember that work zone crews are there to make the roadways easier for your travel.
-Drive to survive, and arrive alive. Only your safe driving habits can help to keep you safe in these areas.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Boca Raton, Port St. Lucie, Davie or in any of the nearby areas, call Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC at 1-800-561-7777 to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Keeping an Eye on Elderly Drivers to Help Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, July 24, 2012
Car Accident in Boca Raton Leaves Teen Driver in Critical Condition, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, July 5, 2012