April Means Work Zone Safety Awareness Week for Texas Drivers
Road construction activity always increases in spring, and this April is no different. Due to the increases in the number of construction zones in spring, the Texas Department of Transportation recognizes Work Safety Awareness Week each April in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Experienced Texas car accident attorneys encourage drivers to learn more about safety in Texas work zones. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, approximately 15,000 crashes happen in construction zones on Texas roads every year. More than 100 people lose their lives in these accidents annually, and about 3,500 are injured. While drivers and passengers make up most of these deaths, workers in construction zones are also at risk of serious injury or death.
The penalties for many driving infractions, including fines and prison time, are doubled in many work zones. Fines for moving violations may cost a driver up to $400, even if no one is injured. Because most work zone accidents are caused by speeding or by driver inattention, it is very important for Texas drivers to pay close attention to the road in these areas and to control the speed of their vehicles. Never drive faster than the posted speed limit in a construction zone, and be prepared to proceed at a much slower pace if traffic is heavy, weather or darkness obstruct vision, or workers are present.
As many as 2,500 active road construction zones appear in Texas at any given time. Along Interstate 35, there are currently 20 work zones, or approximately one work zone per five miles, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.