Safety Tips To Reduce Bradenton Road Construction Accident Risks
National Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual campaign held the third week of April. It highlights the very real dangers drivers and road workers face when construction and traffic share the same space.
In Manatee County, road work is a near-constant reality, and the risks inside those orange-cone corridors deserve your full attention. Our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer explains what you can do to protect yourself, your passengers, road construction crews, and other motorists.
How Road Construction Zones Increase Car Accident Risks in Bradenton
Road work is a part of life if you live in Manatee County, and it creates hazards that can catch even attentive drivers off guard. Florida’s Department of Transportation (FDOT) reports that more than 50,000 work-zone crashes occur each year across the state, affecting drivers and road crews alike.
Speeding and driving distracted often play a role in these crashes. Other factors that increase the risk of Bradenton car accidents in work zones:
- Temporary traffic patterns often take drivers by surprise.
- Uneven pavement, gravel, and debris that reduce vehicle control and increase stopping distances.
- Narrow lanes leave little margin for error, especially for larger vehicles.
- Abrupt stops increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
Under Section 316.187 of the Florida Statutes, speed limits and other traffic rules are strictly enforced, and fines for reckless driving double when road construction workers are present. When another motorist ignores the rules and causes a crash, you have the right to hold them accountable.
How To Protect Against Work Zone Crashes in Manatee County
Spring is the time when road work typically picks up, and FDOT shows dozens of projects addressing issues ranging from aging infrastructure to increased traffic. If you drive through Bradenton or anywhere in Manatee County, be aware of the risks. To protect yourself and others on the road, follow these safety tips:
- Slow down as soon as you see the first work zone sign, not just when you see the cones.
- Put your phone down and pay close attention.
- Give other motorists plenty of space and avoid tailgating, cutting drivers off, or other aggressive behaviors.
- Stay alert for workers on foot, who may be closer to moving traffic than you expect.
- Check traffic apps and plan alternate routes when possible.
If a work zone crash does happen, get legal help right away. An experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you need to recover in a claim.
Request a Consultation With An Experienced Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer
Work zone accidents in Manatee County can cause devastating injuries. Whether caused by a negligent driver, a contractor, or a poorly marked construction site, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
At the Lavely Law Firm, we protect victims and their families, helping them get the maximum amount they are entitled to in a claim. For trusted, local legal representation, contact our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer and request a consultation today.
Sources:
fdot.gov/Safety/workzonesafety/default.shtm
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.187.html
swflroads.com/projects/County/Manatee/All
