Fatal traffic accidents in work zones increased significantly from 2020-2021 alone. According to the Federal Highway Administration, rear-end collisions increased by 24%, commercial motor vehicle crashes increased by 33%, and speeding collisions increased by 32%. 

In Missouri, the 2022 statistics are just as alarming. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, distracted driving contributed to 411 work zone accidents, speeding contributed to 13% of work zone crashes, and 71% of fatal work zone accidents involved passengers without seatbelts.

In order to avoid an accident and subsequent personal injuries, it’s important to follow Missouri driving regulations and exercise caution when driving through work zones.

 

Safe Driving Tips for Work Zones

For the safety of drivers and employees completing construction in work zones on the road, follow these safety guidelines.

  • No passing! It is illegal in Missouri to pass in a work zone. The penalty for passing in a construction zone on Missouri state roadways is a minimum fine of $250 for the first offense, and a minimum of $300 for a second or subsequent offense in addition to any other fine authorized by law according to State Statute 304.582.
  • Keep an eye out for road work signs, which are often neon orange and diamond shaped. As soon as you see a construction sign, reduce your speed – even if you don’t see any road work yet, it could be right around the corner.
  • Avoid hitting traffic cones and barrels. These are in place to mark the distance your vehicle needs to be from the construction proceedings, and to guide vehicles in the correct direction.
  • Keep an eye out for flaggers, and follow their instructions as they direct the flow of traffic.
  • Even if traffic cones are not present, keep your distance from construction vehicles, construction workers, and equipment.
  • Pay attention to traffic signs – there may be signs in place to warn drivers of bumps in the road, and other road conditions or obstacles ahead.
  • Do not ignore signs that say “road closed.” Even if you do not see any construction or damages immediately, do not drive around the sign. Safely turn around and take a different route.
  • Maintain a reasonable following distance between yourself and other vehicles. Drivers ahead may brake suddenly.
  • Do not speed under any circumstances in a work zone. The penalty for speeding in a Missouri construction zone is the same as the penalty for passing.

If the safety concerns aren’t enough to persuade drivers to exercise caution in work zones, these startling statistics will do the trick.

  • Work zone collisions have an estimated economic cost of 17.5 billion dollars every year.
  • In 2021 alone, there were an estimated 42,000 personal injuries caused by work zone crashes.
  • An average of 55 employee-pedestrians are killed annually after being struck by a vehicle in a work zone.
  • From 2019-2021, there were more accidents that occurred in work zones than non-work zones.

If you or a loved one have suffered personal injuries in work zone traffic accidents, contact us as soon as possible to schedule your no-cost initial consultation. During your consultation, we will provide you with free legal advice from a quality Columbia personal injury attorney near you. Don’t struggle with the costs of your injuries alone – let us fight for the compensation you deserve.