Work zone accidents are on the rise in Kentucky

Road construction and passing automobiles can combine to cause serious motor vehicle accidents. Even though drivers are expected to understand the importance reducing their speed in work zones and giving workers enough space, work-zone accidents are troublingly common.

Kentucky emphasizes worker safety

Road worker safety is a state priority. The Commonwealth and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet sponsored a Work Zone Awareness Week in September. The goal was to raise awareness of why special care is needed when driving in a work zone.

Workers and those in the vehicles can be injured and lose their lives in these accidents. In 2019, there were eight fatalities in work zones in Kentucky. That was an increase from three in 2018. In 2019 there were 1,251 accidents in work zones, which was a 20 percent increase from 2018. Nationally, the trend for work zone deaths is comparable to what is happening in Kentucky.

Research has found distracted driving is the leading cause of work zone accidents. Cellphone distraction is an obvious catalyst for distraction and accidents, but interacting with passengers, eating, putting on makeup and changing the radio are others.

To prevent work zone accidents, pay attention to the road, signage and to workers who are waving flags that indicate work ahead. Reduce your speed and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Legal advice can be essential after motor vehicle accidents

After there has been an auto accident, it is important to think about your options. Legal action sometimes is needed to recover fair compensation. It is important to gather the necessary evidence, follow to medical guidance, and seek legal guidance. A firm with experience in motor vehicle accidents may be helpful.