This year, National Work Zone Awareness Week is held from April 8 to 12, and it draws attention to situations where drivers should exercise extreme caution when driving through work zones. Once the weather gets warmer, major road improvement work begins all over the state. Unfortunately, too many workers suffer serious injuries each year from work zone vehicle accidents, many of which were avoidable had motorists paid closer attention.

Work Zone Fatalities and Injuries

According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 710 fatal crashes in work zones in 2017, accounting for 799 fatalities. That number is up significantly from the previous three-year average. Trucks were involved in 216 fatal crashes, accounting for 265 fatalities. Pedestrians were involved in 129 fatal crashes, with 126 fatalities, which is also a large uptick from the previous three-year average. Of those fatally injured, 132 were workers in a work zone.

In Pennsylvania, there were 19 fatal crashes in work zones in 2017, and a total of 20 fatalities. Trucks were involved in five of the fatal crashes, accounting for six fatalities. There were also three fatal crashes involving pedestrians, with three fatalities. Of those fatally injured in work zone accidents, 10 of them were workers.

Work Zone Safety Tips

Following simple safety procedures while driving through work zones can save the lives of drivers, passengers, and the workers they encounter.

• Follow the speed limit posted for the work zone
• Avoid tailgating and maintain a safe distance between vehicles
• Follow directions of flaggers and signage
• Stay away from distractions, including cellphone use

Pennsylvania has various work zone laws motorists must follow, including keeping headlights on in all active work zones.

Work Zone Fines and Penalties

Failure to obey work zone laws can result in serious fines and penalties. These include a 15-day loss of license if driving more than 11 miles per hour beyond the zone’s posted speed limit. Traffic violations, including speeding, not obeying traffic signals, or driving under the influence, have fines doubled and jail time boosted when occurring in a work zone.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Help Workers Injured in Work Zone Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident, you need the services of the experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Our knowledgeable and skilled attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you need, including payment for medical expenses and lost wages. For a free consultation, please complete our online contact form or call us at 888-PITT-LAW today.

With several offices located in the Philadelphia area, our team provides skilled representation to those residing in and around Pennsylvania, including Abington, Ambler, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, Clifton Heights, Crum Lynne, Darby, Downingtown, Doylestown, Drexel Hill, Essington, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford, Havertown, Holmes, Kutztown, Lansdowne, Media, Merion Station, Morton, Narberth, Norristown, Norwood, Philadelphia, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Reading, Roxborough, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, West Chester, and Wynnewood.