A great way to relax is to get outside, jump in your car and take a road trip. Unfortunately, these relaxing get-aways do not always go as planned. All too often, they are affected by road construction projects and the hazards that go along with them.
There may be dozens of road construction projects underway at any given time in New Jersey. This means that numerous construction workers will be outside, working alongside increasing levels of traffic and exposed to near-constant threats to their safety. As such, it is crucial for workers and motorists alike to take certain precautions to avoid catastrophic accidents.
What can motorists do?
If you are driving in a construction zone, you can prevent accidents by:
- Staying focused and avoiding distractions, such as cell phones or other devices
- Complying with reduced speed limits
- Keeping an eye out for workers and vehicles near the roadway
- Giving other vehicles space to shift lanes or slow down
- Following detour signs and staying off prohibited roadways
- Giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, even with delays
What can construction workers do?
If you work in a construction zone, you can stay safe by:
- Being alert and aware of your surroundings
- Wearing necessary safety gear and high-visibility apparel
- Complying with temporary traffic control guidelines
- Staying out of the path of construction vehicles
- Using extreme caution when operating a construction vehicle
- Making sure work areas are well-lit
Unfortunately, despite all these efforts (and often in the absence of them), work zone accidents still happen.
When they do, injured workers should seek immediate medical attention, report the accident, and consider reaching out to an attorney to determine the options for seeking workers’ compensation benefits as well as third-party liability claims.
Accidents involving road construction can be catastrophic. However, when everyone makes an effort to stay safe in work zones across New Jersey, such serious accidents can be minimized to help ensure that people get home safely.