With so many people staying at home and working from home since March, there is much less traffic on U.S. roads than usual. Despite this, traffic accidents have actually increased in certain states, including one type of accident here in Michigan.
Work-zone crashes on the rise
According to a recent report by researchers at PEW, numerous states have seen an alarming rise in the number of car and truck accidents happening in road work zones. These crashes endanger not just the lives of road construction crews, but the lives of other drivers as well.
In 2019, there were three worker fatalities total (for the entire year). But in just a single week in September 2020, four government workers were struck in two car accidents, resulting in two fatalities.
Anyone can be a victim
Victims of work-zone crashes include other drivers and pedestrians as well as workers. National data from 2018 show that there were 755 work-zone deaths that year, and workers accounted for just 124 of those fatalities.
Work zones are confined areas with obstacles and barriers lining the side of the road. There is simply no room for error or dangerous driving behaviors like excessive speeding or distracted driving. Yet these two behaviors seem to be more prevalent than ever this year, in the midst of the pandemic.
Remember: You have legal options
Negligent drivers who cause accidents in work zones will often face criminal charges if they were speeding or otherwise driving recklessly. But if you were seriously injured or a loved one was killed by one of these dangerous drivers, you also have the option of pursuing compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
To learn more about what you can do to seek justice for yourself and those you love, please discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney in your area.
