In the year 2010, the most recent year for which there are statistics available, 87,606 motor vehicle accidents occurred inside of road construction work zones. Of those, 0.6 percent resulted in fatality. Another 30 percent resulted in injury. Some are instances in which drivers failed to follow safe driving rules, but there are also others that may have been caused by negligence on the part of workers, contractors, or foreman. If you believe the latter may have been a factor in your accident case, the following points may be able to help you determine whether or not you have a case.

Work Zone Traffic Control and Your Safety

Roadway and highway work zones can be riddled with obstacles and dangers, including uneven pavement and potholes, concrete barriers, one-way traffic, closed lanes, workers, and construction vehicles and equipment. Sudden and frequent changes make these zones all the more treacherous for all involved. Rules and regulations that workers, foreman, and contractors must follow are designed to protect drivers, pedestrians, and even the workers themselves from death an injury.

Automobiles have come a long way in preventing deaths over the last few decades. This is mostly due to the extensive research and work done regarding head and chest injuries, which are the most likely to cause a crash fatality. Unfortunately, a new study suggests that those very same advancements that have reduced head and chest injuries may have inadvertently caused an increased risk in spinal injuries, which can also lead to severe injury or fatality in an automobile accident.

Side Impact, Seatbelts, and Airbags Took Priority

According to the Wisconsin researchers who uncovered the increased risk for spinal injuries, the main focus of automakers has been on the improvement of side impact crash ratings through the development of better airbags and seatbelts. New technology, such as making side-impact airbags standard on all vehicles after research found high death rates for side-impacts, also emerged. But as the features were added, seat designs were changed to accommodate. The end result has been an uptick in the number of lumbar spine injuries.

More than 80 percent of drivers in the annual AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index recognize that there is a serious problem among drivers today – one that they say makes them feel less safe on the road than they did just a mere five years ago. That problem is distracted driving; more specifically, use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. It would make sense why they feel that way, considering distracted driving leads to approximately 5,000 deaths per year.

Campaigns, commercials, programs, and even cell phone promotions discuss the issue and encourage people not to text and drive. Sadly, the problem only continues to get worse, especially among young drivers. But New York is now pushing for a law that would allow police officers to check whether or not a cell phone was in use immediately before a crash. Could the device they will use be the answer to America’s distracted driver problem? Only time will tell for certain, but many are hopeful.

“Textalyzer” in Development Stage

Last year, more than 2,400 crashes occurred in work zones throughout the state of Wisconsin. A total of 12 people died, and another 945 were injured in those automobile accidents. To combat the issue, Governor Walker introduced a bill that would completely ban cellphone use in work zones.

Understanding the Causes of Work Zone Crashes

Construction workers, who are also placed at risk during work zone accidents, work hard to repair the state’s highways and roads. Unfortunately, many drivers get impatient when traveling through the areas being repaired and, rather than slowing down and using caution, many go above the posted speed limit. Electronic signs, rumble zones, and updates regarding construction zones on social media are meant to deter such carelessness, but lawmakers say the efforts fall short.

Somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 people die in automobile accidents in the United States each year. Most of those accidents are due to human error and completely preventable, according to AAA. In fact, the organization’s recent study revealed that nearly 90 percent of drivers are engaging in risky behavior behind the wheel. And, sadly, far too many are paying the price.

Astounding 87 Percent of Drivers Admit to Risky Driving Behavior

Whether it is texting while driving, speeding, driving while under the influence, running red lights, or simply driving while fatigued, AAA found that 87 percent of all drivers engaged in risky behavior in the 30 days prior to their response to the study. Of those, 42 percent admitted to texting and 70 percent admitted to being on their phones, making distracted driving the most common risky driving behavior.