Top Causes of Road Construction Accidents
Most of us know how to follow the general rules of the road. Stop at stop lights. Use your blinker. Buckle your seat belt. These rules keep us safe and help us avoid accidents. Most of these rules we know so well we don’t think about them. But what happens when the road you knew so well suddenly looks different? The current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all aspects of life, including road construction and improvement. Most roadwork is continuing on as planned, as it is deemed an essential public service. There are still ways that the coronavirus is altering road and highway maintenance activities. We take a look at upcoming road work in Nevada and what are the causes of road construction accidents.
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What is Road Construction?
We’ve all passed those signs. Road Work Ahead, or Detour Ahead, or Be Prepared to Stop. But what is road construction exactly? The better we understand it, the better we can avoid road construction related accidents.
Roads and Bridges media defines road construction as “the paving, rehabilitation, and/or reclamation of degraded pavements in order to achieve a state of good repair and increase road traffic safety.” Sometimes road construction uses asphalt, concrete, soil stabilization, rebar, and paving and pavement recycling machines.
Road construction, maintenance and updates are all a normal part of improving transportation in both major cities and more rural towns. Typically, road construction and improvements of roadways take into consideration normal traffic. Freeways are often worked on at night, or major thoroughfares are done little by little over the course of a few months.
Road construction zones can put drivers at risk for auto accidents and fatalities. It is important to follow all posted signs in these roadway work zones to avoid accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Nevada Roadwork Updates and COVID-19
Impact of COVID-19 on Roadwork
A recent survey conducted by Roads and Bridges Media found that road and bridge construction companies are seeing the effects of COVID-19. About 35% of these companies reported that they were experiencing some interruption in the supply of materials for their projects.
Many construction firms and departments of transportation are expecting slowdowns or pauses on their projects until they have more information on the virus. They want to keep supply routes moving, but they also want to ensure the safety of all of their crew members. As with other industries facing a similar challenge, it is a difficult choice.
Nevada Department of Transportation says that it plans to continue essential work like highway maintenance, while following public health guidelines. Its team members are continuing their highway work while practicing social distancing. Some teams are staggering into multiple shifts.
With much about COVID-19 unknown, it’s hard to tell how it will continue to affect Nevada roadways. If crew members get sick, or there continues to be delays in materials, roadwork could be postponed or paused.
Call 511 to keep up to date on highway conditions, construction projects, and maintenance. Drivers can also use the NVRoads app or visit the Nevada Department of Transportation’s website, nvroads.com.
Nevada Roadwork Updates
In 2019, Las Vegas Valley’s Interstate 15 corridor got a makeover in the form of 22 miles of HOV lanes. However, motorists weren’t happy with the change and many have been making complaints over the last year. Over 500 drivers were cited for breaking the new HOV lane rules. The Nevada Department of Transportation was slated to address those complaints by beginning re-stripping work last week. Due to coronavirus related shortage of materials, they had to delay working on the new HOV lanes.
According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), this setback could be indicative of future problems. NDOT spokesman Tony Illia said, “Although the setback is small… it could signal other possible future hiccups from vendors supplying project materials.“
Another Nevada Department of Transportation project in the works is the half-mile long Centennial Bowl Interchange project that began in January of last year. The past week saw multiple road and ramp closures at the U.S. Highway 95 and the 215 Beltway interchange. The department’s plan is to complete the project on a tight schedule. However, due to some shortages in construction materials and other COVID-19 related issues, it isn’t certain the project will be done on time.
Even if you’re careful sometimes accidents can happen. Have our Las Vegas car accident attorneys discuss your case with you. We’ll use our years of expertise in this area of the law to provide you with the best opportunity to receive the compensation you deserve. Call us now: (702) 857-6000.
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Causes of Road Construction Accidents
Many of the top causes of road construction accidents are the top causes of non-road construction related accidents. But there are ways you need to be extra careful when driving through a construction zone. On the job construction accidents are also a risk. If you experienced an auto accident in a road construction zone, it’s best to contact an accident lawyer who can help you receive the maximum compensation for damages and injuries.
- Poor Road Conditions. Sometimes it is the lack of road work that is the cause of an accident. If the construction was either insufficient or faulty, it can lead to car accidents.
- Poor Visibility. Large, city projects can take up miles of road and have large equipment, multiple vehicles, and temporary structures for the duration of the project. This could increase the chances of an accident because motorists may not be able to sufficiently see past these obstacles.
- Poor Signage. Construction sites of any kind, especially ones on well trafficked roadways, need clear signage to warn oncoming traffic. Signs that notify motorists a few yards before approaching the construction zone help prevent accidents. Signs that warn motorists a few weeks before construction begins help motorists prepare for their drive. Road construction might result in detours or lane closures, which also should have proper signage.
- Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit, or speeding, is one of the top causes of accidents. Speeding in road construction areas is no different.
- Distracted Driving. Drivers who are using their cell phones or eating while driving can be more at risk for an accident. It is important to slow down and pay attention while driving through a construction zone.
- Driving Under the Influence. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause poor judgement and poor reflexes while navigating the roads. You might miss important signs telling you about a detour or a one-way road and get into a crash.
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Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been in a road construction related accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. Our car accident lawyers are experienced at handling all types of car accidents. These accidents include: large trucks or SUVs, accidents involving motorcyclists and bicyclists, and accidents where there was a driver who was driving under the influence/with an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). You can be assured that our attorneys will expertly review the facts. If we determine that you have a case, we’ll aggressively represent you. You will receive the best opportunity to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
It’s okay to inform yourself with some data from the Internet. But when it comes to seeking maximum compensation, you’ll want to put your case in the hands of the experts: Anthem Injury Lawyers. We serve Las Vegas and vicinity. We have extensive car accident case experience, so you’ll benefit from our ability to face off against insurance companies and bring everything we have to bear to help you gain the compensation you deserve. We are also up to date on current legal challenges, including the latest events surrounding COVID-19. We will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Call us today for a free case analysis: (702) 857-6000. Our law office is located in Henderson, but we work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley. Should you need us to, we can come to you. Contact us today if you’ve been the victim in a car accident in the Las Vegas area.
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