12,345.
That’s the number of Georgia crashes that occurred in work zones in 2024 alone.
With National Work Zone Awareness Week approaching, it’s an important time to reflect on the dangers facing highway workers and what drivers can do to help prevent these entirely avoidable tragedies.
The Alarming Reality of Work Zone Crashes
Roadside construction and maintenance is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States – and the risks are only increasing. According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, work zone crashes and fatalities remain a persistent threat across the country, and Georgia is no exception.
Distracted driving – especially due to cell phones – is a major contributor to this growing problem. Additionally, narrow lanes, uneven road surfaces, lane shifts, and slowing traffic all create heightened risks requiring extra vigilance from drivers.
Whether workers are painting lane markings, pouring concrete, or mowing grass along the roadside, they’re often just a few feet away from fast-moving traffic. This puts them in a vulnerable position with almost no protection if a driver loses control of their vehicle or carelessly veers from their lane of travel. And all too often, the results are tragic.
Know Your Legal Options If You’re Involved in a Work Zone Accident
At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating a work zone accident can be – not just for the injured worker, but for their entire family. And we know where to look to ensure that those injured in such incidents can receive maximum compensation.
While many people assume that workers’ compensation is the only available option, that’s not always true.
You may be able to pursue additional sources of compensation if your accident was caused by:
- Careless or distracted driving
- Poor construction zone planning or design
- Faulty or defective safety equipment
- Hazardous roadway conditions or design
- Negligence by a third-party contractor
If you or a loved one was injured in a work zone, contact our Savannah personal injury lawyers and let us help. We know where to look, what to investigate, and how to pursue every possible source of financial recovery for our clients.
Your Role in Keeping Georgia Work Zones Safe
As a driver, your role in keeping work zones safe is crucial.
Follow the following tips to keep yourself and others safe on Georgia’s highways:
- Remain alert and pay attention to the road – stay off your phone and avoid other distractions.
- Slow down and keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Give construction workers and their equipment space – move over to provide a buffer when passing.
- Always obey signage and flaggers in construction areas.
- Expect the unexpected – watch for narrowed or shifted lanes, slowed speed limits, and workers along the road.
- Be patient and courteous – construction crews are doing their job to improve the road and your overall driving experience.
These small actions can make a significant difference in saving lives. And always remember the Georgia Department of Transportation’s slogan: “Respect the Zone So We Can All Get Home.”
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a work zone accident – whether as a roadside worker or a driver – you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the circumstances, that could include workers’ comp benefits, as well as recovery for your economic and non-economic damages.
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7