Summertime means that the prime season for road construction is upon us. Orange barrels and construction zones along interstates and highways in Missouri require drivers to take extra precautions. Work zone safety is a serious matter. According to MoDOT, 8 people were killed in work zones last year. Between 2009 and 2013, 53 people were killed and 2,781 people were injured in Missouri work zones. Since 2000, 16 MoDOT employees have been killed while working.

In 2012, Governor Nixon signed legislation to include MoDOT vehicles with flashing lights under the state’s “Move Over” law. That means motorists are required to slow down and change lanes when they see MoDOT vehicles parked along the roadside, just as they do for police and other emergency vehicles.

According to MoDOT, the primary causes of work zone crashes are: following too closely, improper lane changes, failing to pay attention, driving too fast for work-zone conditions, and failure to yield.

Here are some work zone safety tips to consider when driving through work zones:

1. Be prepared for the unexpected, including lower speed limits, changes in traffic lanes and people working on or along the roadway.

2. Don’t tailgate or speed. Maintain a safe distance between cars, leaving plenty of room to stop between you and the car in front of you.

3. Keep plenty of room between your vehicle and construction workers and equipment. Go slow when workers are nearby.

4. Follow road-crew flaggers’ directions and warning signs. Flaggers communicate with each other and understand what is best for traffic safety. They have the same authority as signs, and you could be cited for not following their directions.

5. Put full attention on the road and avoid distractions.

MoDOT has some additional tips here.

As you drive through work zones this summer, and year round, use common sense to be safe. If you have been involved in a work zone auto accident caused by the negligence of another driver, contact our experienced Southeast Missouri personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim.