National Efforts to Prevent Deaths and Injuries of Roadway Workers Increased

As the infrastructure of our highways age, the need for construction and rebuilding of roads exposed to open traffic rises. In order to prevent delays during peak travel times, more roadwork is now being scheduled for nighttime. Additionally, urban areas are seeing an influx of newcomers, adding to traffic congestion. The exposure to increased oncoming traffic as well as decreased visibility for drivers at night heightens the risk of death and injury that roadside workers face.

Roadside-related construction deaths are a serious cause for concern as road construction projects kick-off this spring. Tragically, the leading causes of these roadwork deaths and injuries equivocate to workers being struck by vehicles and flying debris. According to OSHA, an estimated 700 fatalities occurred at roadway worksites in 2015. 130 of those victims were workers.

The Federal Highway Administration is teaming up with OSHA and other organizations, such as the American Traffic Safety Services Association, to encourage safety efforts for our roadside workers. Various states across America will hold events to draw attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones. The annual campaign, National Work Zone Awareness Week, dates back to 1999 and is set this year for April 3-7. This year’s national event will be hosted by the state of Maryland. The goal of the campaign is to make drivers more aware of work zone safety regulations and to train workers on the potential dangers of distracted drivers and flying debris. These increased and ongoing efforts at the national, state, and local levels are critical to ensure the safety of drivers and workers alike.

Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 66 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes, including multiple golf cart ejection cases. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.