Navigating the Driving Hazards of Road Construction

by | Mar 31, 2022 | Auto Accidents

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Drivers in the Upstate have been dealing with the impacts of a major road construction project for several years.  The I-85 widening project in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties involves widening 29 miles of interstate highway from four to six lanes, reconstruction of several key interchanges, and the replacement of a railroad bridge.  Lane shifts, lane closures, and the construction of new ramps and merging lanes has impacted both local and through traffic.  A number of traffic accidents have occurred in the construction zones including an eight vehicle pile-up in July 2021 that killed three people.  Following that accident, the contractor removed a ten mile section of concrete barriers that created one lane traffic chutes.  These narrowed lanes had been blamed as a cause in the accident.

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Construction zones can certainly create dangers for drivers to navigate.  According to Federal Highway Administration data, work zone fatalities are at their highest level since 2006.  Nearly one-third of fatal work zone crashes involve large trucks.  The I-85 project is the largest road construction project currently under way in the Upstate.  However, there are a number of smaller road improvement projects on state and local roads that impact daily traffic.

Common types of construction zone accidents

  • Rear-end collisions – Several factors contribute to rear-end collisions including excessive speed, following too closely, and inattentive or distracted driving.
  •      Collisions with temporary barriers or rails – Drivers need to pay particular attention to lanes that have narrowed and traffic patterns that have changed.
  • Sideswipe accidents – Drivers need to slow down and stay in their lane.

The following are AAA tips for driving safely through construction zones.

  • Slow down.  Most states double fines for speeding in work zones when workers are present.
  • Stay alert and attentive.  Be prepared to slow down.
  • Obey road signs indicating lane closures, detours, and traffic pattern changes.
  • Be prepared for delays and pack your patience.

What to do after a traffic accident

  • Get medical attention for injuries.
  • Get contact and insurance information from other drivers involved.
  • Get contact information for witnesses.
  • Take photos of damage.
  • File a police report.  Obtain a copy of the finalized report as soon as possible.
  • Report the accident to your insurance company.
  • Don’t post anything about the accident on social media.  It could be used against you later.

Obtain legal help.

If you have been seriously injured in a traffic accident, you may need legal help.  Greenville accident attorney Venus Poe offers a free consultation to discuss your case.  Contact her today at offices in Greenville and Fountain Inn, South Carolina.

 

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