12,948 Crashes In Texas Work Zone Areas, 100 Deaths from Accidents
Posted by
Jeff WeinsteinApril 24, 2012 7:46 AM
What goes on in work zones to cause so many accidents? The signs tell us for at least a mile that everything ahead is about to slow down so why do accidents happen? I know many of you have experienced the same frustrations that I have when I adhere to the sign to form one lane only to see cars in the lane next to me flying by and then waiting until the last second to squeeze into the one traffic lane. The question I need to ask is why is that so frustrating, who are these people to think that their time is more valuable than mine or why do they think the rules don't apply to them?
My hunch is that they may be the same people that cause one or several of the 12, 948 accidents that took place in a Texas work zone in 2010. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, that is the number of accidents that occurred in work zones. Unfortunately, 100 deaths were also reported as a result of these accidents in work zones. Our thoughts and prayers go out to these families for their loss.
I have harped this month on the fact that it is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. I didn't know until today that it is National Work Zone Awareness Week. It certainly makes sense that these Awareness dates should be in the same month.
What is the number one type of accident reported in work zones? A rear end collision. We all get so tight and close that it certainly makes good common sense to me that this would be the number one reason for an accident.
While fines are double for failing to reduce speeds as noted in a work zone, we need to use our good common sense to simply slow everything down and pay more attention in construction areas. My educated guess on the reasons for rear end collisions and other accidents in a work zone: being in a hurry so speed is a factor; using a cell phone so driver distraction is a factor; or, intoxication that reduces the ability to perceive the need to pay extra attention in a construction zone.
Please be careful in work zones not only for your own safety but that of the construction workers as well.
Drive Safe - X THA TXT
Say NO to Distracted Driving
Jeff Weinstein, Dallas injury lawyer