The Texas Department of Public Safety recently released the numbers on work zone accidents and fatalities, revealing a significant drop in the number of crashes and fatalities. However, the Department cautions that there is still work to be done to prevent these accidents.
Statistics on Work Zone Deaths
The number of fatalities and crashes steadily increased between the years 2015 to 2017 until decreasing in 2018. In 2015, there were 22,402 total crashes and 144 fatalities. 2016 realized 25,838 crashes that resulted in 181 fatalities. In 2017, there were 27,184 crashes and 202 fatalities. The upward trend changed in 2018 when the number of accidents decreased to 25,162 and 161 fatalities and 684 injuries. Of the fatalities, more than 80 percent were the drivers or passengers.
Safety Campaigns
Texas has implemented the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign to remind drivers to be extra cautious when driving through one of the 3,000 active work zones throughout the state.
Additionally, the Move Over/Slow Down law mandates that drivers switch lanes or decrease their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when a Texas Department of Transportation vehicle has flashing blue or amber lights. The law also requires the same action if there is a tow truck, emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle on the shoulder of the road.
Fines double in work zones where workers are present, which can result in fines up to $2,000.
Reasons for Work Zone Accidents
One of the main culprits for work zone accidents is unsafe speeds. Drivers may not slow down as required. This can be fatal when a driver continues the same speed as before the reduced speed work zone. Traffic may slow or come to a stop, and a driver who is going too fast in the area can ram into the back of the vehicle in front of him or her.
Another major reason for these accidents is distracted driving. Drivers may be on their cell phones, talking or texting. Others may be distracted by other causes, such as eating, drinking, adjusting dials in the vehicle, talking to passengers or other reasons.
Get Help for Your Work Zone Accident Case
If you are a construction worker who was injured in a work zone or a distracted driver hit your vehicle while traveling through one of these zones, it is important that you seek legal help. These accidents may result in serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic head injuries, paralysis and fractures. An experienced attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and handle negotiations with the insurance company to fight for maximum compensation.
