This April, Stay Safe in Highway Work Zones
Spring in Nebraska heralds the arrival of more than just leaves and flowers. Highway construction zones also "grow" in spring, slowing down traffic on many Omaha roads.
Construction zones are among the most dangerous areas on the road, both for drivers and for construction workers. That's why the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) work with every U.S. state to recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week.
You can improve safety in work zones by following these safety tips from the FHWA:
- Stay alert. Distractions are one of the most common causes of work zone crashes. Put away your phone, turn down the radio, and pay close attention to the work area and to other drivers.
- Stick to the speed limit. Speeding is the second most common cause of work zone accidents. Never drive faster than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to slow down considerably if traffic is heavy, your view is obstructed, or workers are present.
- Merge promptly into the proper lane. Change lanes as soon as you see the signs warning you to do so. Don't wait until you reach the construction area to change lanes.
- Follow at a safe distance. Rear-end accidents are common in work zones when drivers become impatient and begin to tailgate. Stay calm and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. If another vehicle is tailgating yours, increase this distance.
At Cullan & Cullan, our experienced Nebraska lawyers strive to protect the legal rights of each injured person and family we represent. If you've been injured in a car accident, call us today at (402) 882-7080 for more information.