A truck driver who has to go through a construction zone can feel as though they are working through an obstacle course. There are reductions in speed, smaller lanes, slower traffic, constant merging, shifting lanes, vehicles breaking suddenly, and flaggers.
Keep reading to learn why truck accidents are so common in construction zones and how truck drivers can reduce their chance of being a victim of this kind of accident. If you are injured in a truck accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
A Look at the Statistics
First, let us establish how serious this issue is. According to the Federal Highway Administration, one in three work zone accidents involve large trucks. In just the last five years, more than 18,000 injuries have occurred in this way, with more than 1,000 fatal accidents. These accidents are generally in one of three categories: head-on, rear-end, or angle collisions.
You Might Be Surprised to Learn Where These Accidents Occur
Many people assume that these accidents are most common on windy roads, but in fact, nine out of ten occur on a straight road. Seven out of ten occur on level roads, and only six out of ten occur on divided roads. Many people assume that they happen mostly at night, when in fact 65% of fatal accidents occur during the day and most occur on weekdays – not weekends.
What Truck Drivers Can Do as They Approach a Work Zone
When a truck driver comes up to a work zone, they should reduce their speed. If they can, they should take an alternate route. If that is not a possibility then they should read the signs and follow all directions. Flaggers should be given as much room as possible and the truck driver should follow their instructions.
Merging is particularly difficult, and so truck drivers should get into the correct lane as far ahead of necessary as is possible. They should also make sure they leave plenty of space when they are following other vehicles so that they have plenty of time to stop if necessary.
Truck Drivers Do Have One Advantage
There is one big advantage truckers have – they sit up high enough that they can see traffic patterns well ahead of them. The more they can see of what is coming up, the better they can prepare and the sooner they can get into the correct lane and stop or slow down.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, whether in a construction zone or elsewhere, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
