It is often said that there are two seasons in Chicago: winter and the road construction season. With several road construction projects underway in and around Chicago, it is important to be aware of various road construction safety hazards such as:
- Narrower lanes
- Reduced number of lanes
- Reduced visibility
- Cones, barriers, and other obstructions
- Presence of heavy machinery and construction equipment
- Construction workers in close proximity to motor vehicle traffic
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Road Construction Safety Tips
Road construction safety hazards make the risk of auto accidents, injuries, and deaths more likely. According to data provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 4,863 reported traffic collisions in Illinois construction zones in 2011, which injured 1,525 persons and killed 24 people. IDOT reports that, in 2012, 19 people died in road work zones.
In order to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, motorists should be mindful of certain road construction safety recommendations, including the following:
- Slow down when approaching the road construction work zone.
- Follow posted speed limits even if there are no construction workers present or visible.In some situations, you may need to drive slower than the work zone speed limit if weather conditions and traffic patterns dictate.
- Allow plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid cellphone use and other forms of distracted driving.
- Merge in a timely manner.
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
Contact an Illinois Auto Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a road construction accident, you may be entitled to money damages for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal life
Moreover, if a loved one was killed in a road construction accident, compensation for the following could be recoverable:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s future income and benefits
- Loss of future inheritance
- Loss of parental guidance (if the decedent has surviving minor children) or spousal companionship (if the decedent was married)
- Pain and suffering of the survivors
- Pain and suffering of the decedent if an injury preceded the death
The Chicago accident lawyers at Ankin Law, LLC are committed to educating motorists on ways to keep Illinois roadways safer and to holding negligent drivers responsible for any injuries or damages that they cause as a result of their misconduct. We are committed to helping injured motorists, pedestrians, and construction workers obtain maximum money damages and other compensation for their injuries. We also represent the families of construction workers, motorists, and pedestrians who are killed in construction zone accidents.
If you were injured in a construction zone auto accident, contact our office at (312) 600-0000 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago auto accident lawyers.
