The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) has reported that there have been a number of accidents occurring recently in Madison, MS around work zones simply because drivers aren’t taking the necessary precautions they should be as they approach these areas. Eric Henry, who is a public information officer for MHP told MS News Now that there are several road projects underway across the metro and officials have been noticing that drivers aren’t slowing down or abiding by the rules being given at these construction zones.
Some of the other reasons why MHP is seeing more accidents occurring is because drivers are distracted and not paying attention to their surroundings. Henry told the news source that officials will be out enforcing the speed limits at and around these construction zones and will be issuing tickets to those who violate the law. Henry stated that the fines a motorist will incur if they are caught speeding through a work zone are rather expensive so it is best to avoid traveling at speeds beyond the legal limit.
Another reason why MHP is working to crack down on speeding and distracted driving in work zones is because they want to make sure both drivers and workers are safe in construction zones. So, what can you do to help contribute to making the roadway a safer place for everyone? We share a few suggestions below:
- Be prepared to reduce your speed. In nearly every work zone, the speed limit is reduced which means traffic is going to begin slowing down. That means you should begin to decrease your speed as you approach a construction zone and lookout for signs that indicate what the reduced speed limit is.
- If there is a “flagger” in the work zone, be sure to pay attention to the directions they are giving. A flagger holds the same authority as a regulatory sign so be prepared to obey their instructions. Sometimes, construction projects lead to roadway closures which requires you to take a detour and the flagger may be the one to give you directions as to which way you will need to go.
- Always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment, and workers. The NY Department of Transportation says that just as your safety is important, so is the safety of those working at these construction sites.
- Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
- Avoid engaging in any type of distracted behavior such as changing the radio, using a cell phone, eating, etc. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that distracted driving accidents are responsible for killing approximately nine people a day in the U.S. so it is best to avoid engaging in this type of behavior at all costs.
- If the construction work has led to lane closures, be sure to merge will before you reach the lane closure.
- Avoid tailgating as the traffic patterns may vary and you wouldn’t want to rear-end the vehicle in front of you.
[Source: U.S. Department of Transportation].
As you take these safety precautions and implement them into your driving when traveling through construction zones, you are helping to decrease your chances of causing an accident and well as being involved in one. However, if you are the victim of a recent accident that occurred in Madison, MS or are a worker who was injured by a motorist, it is important for you to recover the compensation necessary to help get you through this difficult time.
The Madison, MS personal injury attorneys at Ballard Law, PLLC are equipped to handle various types of personal injury cases and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Because every case is unique, our accident attorneys will take the necessary time to review all the details of your matter and then determine what the best form of action is so that the outcome of your case is a favorable one.
You can reach Ballard Law, PLLC at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
