With the holiday season looming over us this month, there will be a noticeable increase in the volume of traffic traveling along Virginia highways and roads. Although one might think that transportation departments across the nation would be sure to wrap up any construction projects before this busy time of year, the reality is that highway construction projects can and do continue into the winter holidays. This means that motorists receive no respite from the dangers and headaches they bring. In fact, construction sites can be even more dangerous than normal.
Beware of These Construction Site Hazards
Heavy machinery is not the only thing you need to worry about when traveling through construction zones in Virginia (or any other state). Beware of:
- Stopped traffic – Although construction zone workers should post warning signs conspicuously and well in advance of any area where traffic may be slowed or stopped, you may be tempted to ignore or disregard these signs (if these signs are posted at all). With the fact that winter often brings storms that can reduce visibility and days that turn to night earlier, you may not see stopped traffic until it is too late to safely stop.
- Slippery roads – While construction work on a highway at any time during the year may result in spilled liquids that can render the road slippery, the danger of skidding or slipping on a wet roadway is (obviously) greater during the winter months due to the colder temperatures. What is more, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a wet spot on the road and “black ice.”
- Narrow lanes – Some construction sites narrow the lanes in which traffic may travel in order to give crews working on the shoulders of the road room in which to perform their duties. These narrow lanes give drivers little room for error in the event of a slip or skid (which are more likely to happen during the cold winter months).
Safety Tips
While you and other drivers have very little control over the types of hazards you will encounter at any given construction site, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of a construction site car crash:
- Take your time – Do not speed, and do not drive too fast for the road conditions. If the road is wet or slippery, reduce your speed accordingly
- Increase distance: Give yourself additional space between yourself and other vehicles so that you can safely stop your vehicle
- Put away distractions – Using your cell phone in a construction zone is always a bad idea, but it is especially dangerous in winter months when a few extra seconds can mean the difference between your safety and a crash.
Call Our Office Today
All car accidents have the potential to permanently change the trajectory of a person’s life. If you have been injured in a car accident, not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional effects of the accident, but you are likely dealing with the financial consequences, as well. Injured victims often have high medical bills as a result of the treatments their injuries require. Depending on how serious those injuries are, recovery typically includes staying out of work until the injuries have healed. This means no weekly paycheck for many victims.
If the crash was caused by another party who behaved recklessly or negligently, Virginia allows victims to take legal action in order to be financially compensated for all of these financial expenses. Victims can also pursue damages for losses that are not economic, such as pain and suffering, scarring emotional anguish, and more.
If you would like to discuss your situation, contact our office to speak with a seasoned Virginia car accident attorney. Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for accident victims for more than three decades and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.
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