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Texas Has Highest Rate Of Construction Work Zone Traffic Deaths In Nation
Posted on Apr 10, 2011
When you think about the dangers of working in a construction zone, you probably think of falling from scaffolding or heavy machinery accidents. However, one of the leading causes of death for construction workers in Texas is being struck by vehicles passing the highways and interstates where many construction workers labor each day. In fact, Texas leads the nation when it comes to highway construction work zone deaths: 108 people from across the state were killed in such accidents in 2009 alone.
According to many construction workers, most drivers don’t realize that they are literally driving by another person’s work environment – and that speeding or not paying close attention while in a work zone could lead to serious injury or death. This past Tuesday, highway construction workers on Highway 84 outside of Waco actually set up a desk and office on the side of the road to get the point across to drivers: be wary and slow down.
One aspects of highway work zone accidents that most drivers don’t know about is that drivers and passengers also often get injured or killed in construction site accidents in Texas. In fact, four out of five deaths involving interstate construction sites are drivers, not workers. The lesson? Driving slow and paying attention when going through work zones is safer for the workers as well as you and your family.
What else can drivers do to help prevent highway work zone car accidents? Safety experts say to always assume that there are workers in work zone even if you can’t see any. In addition, avoid tailgating and keep your eyes focused on the road even if interesting construction is going on around you.
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