Maintaining the roads in North Carolina is a key part of safety for drivers and passengers. This includes making roadway improvements, repairs and maintenance. To perform these tasks, workers must be stationed on the roads where vehicles are likely moving past throughout the entire workday and night.
This puts them in a dangerous situation. While there are laws in place that require drivers to adhere to certain rules when they are passing a work zone, accidents with injuries and death are still a problem. After a collision, it is imperative for those who have been hurt to think about what they should do next.
Work zone accidents have been on the rise in North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is concerned about work zone safety. Statistically, there were 29 fatalities in road construction zone crashes in 2021. Overall, there were more than 6,200 accidents. This was a spike of 5% from 2020. Fortunately, 13 fewer people died in 2021 than 2020.
The latest numbers for 2022 say there have been nine such fatalities. Three-quarters of the crashes happened during the day. The NCDOT says that half of these accidents were due to drivers going beyond the speed limits and driving while distracted.
This is especially concerning with the warmer weather. Starting in the spring, municipalities tend to try and make their road repairs or embark on construction projects. The state’s Move Over Law is designed to provide safety to workers by putting rules in place for drivers as they pass work zones.
Drivers are required to either change lanes or reduce their speed. Unfortunately, many do not. When combining that with distraction and other illegal acts behind the wheel, it can cause auto accidents that injure vulnerable workers.
Workers who have been injured in work zone auto accidents may need advice
Even with the warning signs, cones strategically placed and work zone rules for drivers, workers are in daily jeopardy of injuries and death because of how drivers behave. Whether these auto accidents are due to speeding, distracted driving, drivers who are under the influence or plain recklessness, a collision with roadside workers inevitably causes significant injuries and fatalities.
These workers will have medical costs, be unable to work, lose income and face extensive challenges. This will also impact their families. Their recovery is often contingent on getting the necessary medical care and covering for their lost income. For help with assessing options, it is wise to have advice from those experienced in all types of auto accidents and injuries.