Increase in Dallas Construction Accidents | Tips for Minimizing the Risk of Injury
Over the past decade, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has been one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. That growth has required extensive road construction, as local officials work hard to keep up with dramatic increases in traffic. There’s evidence to indicate both a rise in general traffic accidents in the DFW area, as well as road hazard injuries in construction zones across Texas.
How can you minimize the risk of a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in a DFW construction zone? What are your legal options if you’re hurt in a road-construction-related accident?
Factors Leading to Increased Risk of Traffic Accidents in Construction Zones
A wide range of issues can increase the likelihood of a crash where a road is under construction:
- Construction zones typically have fewer lanes and/or narrower lanes, often with motorists merging into reduced-lane traffic.
- Construction zones often have varied speed limits, with significant stops and starts.
- Construction zones may have uneven pavement between lanes, causing drivers to lose control.
- There are often obstacles to clear visibility in construction zones.
- Motorists may be challenged by lane closures or other changes in familiar traffic patterns.
Tips for Maximizing Road Safety and Injury Prevention Around Construction Zones
Anytime you get behind the wheel of a car, you need to exercise reasonable care and caution, paying attention to the road ahead of you and to other motorists. When you’re traveling through an area of road construction, you need to be even more vigilant. If at all possible, travel during non-peak traffic hours or consult an app to determine whether there’s an alternate route with less congestion.
Because of the increased congestion and reduced speeds that result from road construction, you need to exercise greater awareness and attention at all times:
- Don’t use your phone—While Texas permits the use of cell phones with hands-free technology, the simple act of being on your phone can be a dangerous distraction. You may want to consider turning your phone off until you’ve made it through the road construction.
- Focus your attention entirely on the road—Don’t use your time in road construction traffic to eat, drink, or groom yourself. If possible, avoid conversations with other passengers until you’ve cleared the construction area. If flaggers are present, give them your full attention. Also keep an eye out for construction workers, construction vehicles, and any construction equipment.
- Obey all traffic signs and laws—As a general rule, you’ll have reduced speed limits in a construction zone. Even though you’re traveling at a slower rate of speed, you should expect sudden stops and starts by the vehicles in front of you. Make certain you give yourself enough room to safely bring your car to a complete stop.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in a Construction Site Traffic Accident?
Your health should be your first priority. To the extent possible, determine the nature and severity of your injuries. Get the medical attention you need as soon as possible—that will improve your chances of maximum physical and financial recovery.
You should also gather contact information from anyone involved in the accident, as well as any potential witnesses. In addition, take pictures of anything related to the accident, including road conditions, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. This may lead to significant traffic backup, but that can’t be helped. Your health is more important.
Contact the Experienced DFW Construction Site Injury Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
For over 40 years, attorneys with the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, have fought for the rights of injured people in Texas, including people hurt in motor vehicle accidents in the DFW Metroplex. We have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the common causes of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents in Texas, including crashes involving or related to road construction sites.
We know the right steps to take to help you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices to arrange an appointment with a proven Texas traffic accident lawyer. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
