Road work is a necessary evil across Illinois’ roadways, and it becomes increasingly common as communities expand and the number of motorists traveling on the roads increases. You would be wise to exercise vigilance any time you travel through Illinois’ work zone, however, because they are the sites of thousands of crashes every year.
According to the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, the state of Illinois sees between 4,500 and 5,500 work zone car wrecks on its roads annually. Many of those crashes result in one or more injuries or fatalities, indicating a strong need to make these areas safer for the motoring public.
Illinois Work Zone Crash Statistics
In 2017, Illinois’ 5,423 work zone car crashes resulted in 1,435 injuries and another 30 road deaths. In some cases, construction workers, pedestrians, and cyclists suffer injuries or fatalities in work zone car wrecks. However, the majority of the time, it is motorists and the people who ride in their cars who suffer injuries or fatalities. Individuals driving or riding in passenger vehicles experience 95% of work zone crash injuries and 96% of work zone fatalities.
Work Zone Crash Hazards
Illinois’ work zones have many hazards that pose a threat to you and others riding in your vehicle. Some of the risks stem from construction-related hazards, such as loose gravel, confusing detours, or misplaced traffic cones. Other times, other drivers who are negligent or inattentive create significant crash risks in work zones.
Drivers who speed or consume alcohol before navigating work zones contribute to many work zone crashes. Driver distraction, whether due to cellphone use or something similar, is also a common element in many work zone car wrecks.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Shay + Associates Law Firm if you require the expertise of a skilled personal injury lawyer in Springfield or Decatur, Illinois.