Summer Hazards: Construction

Summer Construction: How to Stay Safe

Construction is at an all-time high in the summer months.

This can mean dangerous conditions for not only drivers but also construction workers.

According to the NHTSA, construction can lead to an increase in crashes on roadways due to heavy traffic, detours and speeding through workplaces.

Read on to see how you help ensure your safety when traveling through construction zones.

How drivers can safely travel near and around construction zones. 

• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions and keep your full attention on the road.
• Read All Signage: Read and follow all signs in a work zone.
• Stay a Safe Distance: Do not follow the vehicle in front of you too closely. It is important to give yourself plenty of time and space to react.
• Be Prepared: Check your local radio station, news channels and websites for traffic information before you head out. This ensures you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely.
• Obey Speed Limits: Normal speeds may be reduced in work zones. It is important to note the speed limit when approaching a work zone.
• Follow Instructions from Flaggers: Flaggers are often used to stop or direct traffic. Travel slowly and keep a safe distance from flaggers when passing them.
• Expect the Unexpected: Workers, work vehicles and heavy machinery can enter your lane without warning. Accidents can be prevented by being alert and able to respond quickly.

Pedestrians are at an even bigger risk when traveling around construction zones.

According to Public Source, pedestrian deaths in the U.S. are at an all-time high. Pennsylvania is among the top ten states with an increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2020-2021. 

The best thing a pedestrian can do when traveling around a work zone is to try and avoid the area if possible. If a pedestrian is not able to find an alternate route, we have some safety tips for you to follow.

How pedestrians can safely travel through construction zones:

• Keep your distance: One of the biggest hazards pedestrians face when traveling though work zones is falling debris. The best thing a pedestrian can do is walk as far away from the zone as possible or even consider wearing a helmet through the construction site.
• Watch for uneven surfaces: When construction is occurring, there could be areas where the sidewalk or road has been broken or cracked. These areas can cause difficulty for pedestrians trying to cross. 
• Watch for wet surfaces: A construction-related fall can be caused by slippery surfaces. Water from hoses or pipes can leak onto sidewalks and cause a slippery surface for pedestrians.
• Make sure you are visible: Be sure large vehicle operators can see you when you are traveling through construction zones. Stay in visual contact with the operator as you pass though.
• Watch for signs and messages: Warning signage can provide pedestrians with essential information about how to safely navigate through zones.
• Avoid all distractions: Stay alert and focused while traveling through a work zone. Paying attention is key and could save your life.

Construction can be dangerous for everyone involved including workers, drivers and pedestrians. If proper rules and safety measures are not followed, it could mean serious consequences for all involved.

It is important we all do our part when traveling though construction zones to maintain our safety and the safety of the workers performing the needed construction.

Construction can feel like a bother and interrupt your regular travel flow; however, it is important to remember this work is necessary for our community to keep safe and up to code.

Recovering compensation after an accident

Whether you are a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist, it is important to hold negligent parties accountable for your injuries.

If you have been involved in an accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Berger and Green to discuss your case. We never charge a fee unless we win your case.

A personal injury claim can help alleviate the bills that can accrue after an accident and provide you with compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact the attorneys at Berger and Green today at 412-661-1400 today.