Work Zone Safety: Reducing Monterey Car Accident Risks In Road Construction Areas
If you live in Monterey County, you are likely used to road construction. Rather than getting frustrated with the traffic and delays they cause, state and federal highway officials urge drivers to put safety first. Road construction zones are one of the most common places for car accidents in Monterey to happen. Find out how to reduce the risks.
Raising Awareness Of California Work Zone Accident Risks
Work zones hold up traffic and can cause lengthy delays, aggravating drivers. Unfortunately, they also pose serious risks. Road work construction zone areas are one of the most common places for car accidents in Monterey to happen. Factors that increase crash risks include:
- Road work is a major distraction for drivers;
- Sudden stops, dramatically reduced speeds, and other unexpected events often occur;
- Roads are more narrow, and surfaces are often uneven;
- Detours and temporary lane changes cause confusion among motorists.
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual event held each April in cities across the United States. It began almost 25 years ago when Caltrans and other state departments of transportation (DOT) joined other government and public service groups to find ways to reduce road construction accident risks.
Motorists are not the only ones endangered by work zones. Caltrans sponsors the State Workers’ Memorial each spring, honoring the nearly 200 employers who lost their lives while building, maintaining, and repairing our roads.
Memorial services are scheduled in cities throughout the state on April 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. and are open to the public. As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), Caltrans also offers a memorial scholarship, a safety poster contest, and other events.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Monterey Car Accidents In Road Construction Zones
Road construction is a fact of life if you live in the Monterey County area. Rather than getting angry or frustrated when you encounter work zones, drivers are urged to pay closer attention.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 700 people are killed each year in road construction car accidents, while thousands of other victims suffer serious personal injuries. To reduce your risks, follow these tips:
- Avoid distractions: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times.
- Slow down: Remember that under California’s Move Over Law, you can face serious penalties for speeding in work zones.
- Expect the unexpected: Be alert and ready to stop at any time.
- Stay calm: Avoid getting angry and engaging in aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, beeping your horn, and failing to yield.
Request A Consultation With Our Monterey Car Accident Lawyer
The Allen Law Firm represents people who were injured due to car accidents in Monterey. We provide the caring, comprehensive legal service you need to get compensation in a claim. Our legal team has extensive experience helping clients in these cases. To request a consultation, call or contact our experienced Monterey car accident lawyer online today.
Sources:
nwzaw.org/history.html
dot.ca.gov/programs/public-affairs/workers-memorial-safety
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/work-zones-safety-tips
