Distracted driving causes surge of construction zone accidents

Distracted driving is always a danger, but can be even more hazardous in construction zones. During the summer, road repair and construction zones are more prevalent. According to authorities, a recent surge in Connecticut traffic accidents is related to construction and distracted driving.

Throughout the state, construction projects can create heavy traffic, delays and potentially cause injury to motorists and construction workers. Ninety percent of accidents in construction zones are rear-end collisions, most likely caused by distracted driving due to the use of handheld devices and merging without paying attention.

Connecticut police have been comparing motor vehicle accidents for the same two-week period in late August and early September, finding an increase in accidents, even despite an overall decrease in traffic accidents over the last 3 years. Authorities are actively targeting troubled areas where there is heavy construction. Officers assigned to station construction work zones are paid by the federally-funded project.

Some of the larger construction and work zone projects in the state are slated to take years. One project, widening Route 1 near the Amtrak bridge consists of 2,850 feet of reconstruction to add turning lanes and complete a uniform roadway section. The large project is one of many in the state that has increased the potential for accidents and distracted driving. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident or injured in a construction zone accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your case, identify responsible parties and aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf.

Source: Patch, “Construction and Distracted Driving Causing Uptick in Traffic Accidents,” Nicole Ball, Sept. 13, 2012