April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. National Work Zone Awareness Week also takes place in April. Distracted driving in work zones creates a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. In this article, we’ll discuss work zone risks and distracted driving.
Work Zone Crashes
891 individuals died in work zone crashes in 2022. 94 highway worker occupational fatalities happened in road construction sites in the same year. While workers are at risk during work zone crashes, so are drivers and their passengers. 742 drivers and passengers died in work zones in 2022.
Distracted driving is a major risk factor for work zone accidents.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when another activity takes the driver’s attention away from driving. There are three main types of distractions for drivers:
- Visual: taking eyes off the road
- Manual: removing hands from the wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
Distracted driving is preventable and impacts thousands of Americans every year. Nine people in the United States die each day in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver. Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be a distraction. Common distractions include texting, talking on a cell phone, using a navigation system, and eating while driving.
About 1 in 5 of the people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019 were not in vehicles. They were walking, riding bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle, such as working in a work zone.
While young adults and teen drivers are at high risk for distracted driving, it can affect anyone. Minimize distractions while driving. Put your phone on do not disturb or silence it and stow it in your trunk or out of reach in the backseat. Avoid eating or multitasking while driving. If you’re a passenger, offer to assist with navigation or other tasks to prevent driver distraction.
Prevent Work Zone Crashes
It’s always important to pay attention to the road, but it’s especially essential in work zones. Changing traffic patterns, barrels, equipment, and various other obstacles could lead to serious car crashes. Always be on the lookout for roadside workers. Follow the posted speed limit and stay alert in work zones.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
