Man Killed In Construction Zone Accident
Construction zones can be frustrating for drivers. You have to slow down, move lanes, and even stop for several minutes as crews work on repairing roads. There’s a lot going on in construction zones and if a driver is not paying attention, they can get into a serious or even fatal crash.
Unfortunately, an Osceola County man was recently killed in a car crash in a construction zone in the Orlando area. The fatal accident occurred just after midnight on October 1.
A 25-year-old Kissimmee man was in a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. He was traveling on westbound Interstate 4 from Sand Lake Road. He was going through an active construction lane closure at mile marker 72.
That was where an unoccupied truck was parked in the construction zone facing south. The man did not see the truck and crashed into it. The driver was partially ejected from the Elantra due to the impact.
First responders arrived but the man died at the accident scene. The crash is still under investigation.
Dangers of Construction Zones
Construction zones can be particularly hazardous for drivers. Here are the key dangers they face:
- Lane shifts and merges. Temporary lane closures and unexpected merges can catch drivers off guard, leading to confusion, swerving, or sudden braking, which increases the risk of rear-end crashes.
- Reduced speed limits. Construction zones typically have lower speed limits to protect workers, but some drivers may not notice the change, leading to abrupt slowdowns that can result in accidents.
- Detours and confusing signage. Detours can reroute drivers through unfamiliar areas, and poorly marked or confusing signage can lead to accidents or getting lost.
- Reduced lane width. Narrower lanes leave less room for error, making it more difficult to navigate, especially for larger vehicles. This can lead to sideswipe collisions or vehicles striking barriers.
- Close proximity to barriers. Temporary barriers and cones may leave little room for maneuvering, especially in high-traffic areas, increasing the likelihood of collisions with these obstacles.
- Heavy machinery and workers. The presence of construction workers, equipment, and flashing lights can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.
- Unfamiliar signage. Drivers may get distracted trying to read or interpret numerous warning signs, making it difficult to focus on navigating the zone safely.
- Traffic congestion. Construction zones often cause significant backups, leading to stop-and-go traffic. Rear-end collisions are common in such situations, especially if drivers aren’t paying attention.
- Abrupt stopping. Drivers who don’t anticipate slowed or stopped traffic within the zone may have to brake suddenly, increasing the risk of being hit from behind.
Contact Us Today
Construction zones can be tricky. As a driver, you need to be aware and ready to slow down or stop if needed.
In a crash? Get the legal help you need from the Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office. We understand how serious a car accident can be. We will help you get full compensation due to someone else’s negligence. Fill out the online form or call (407) 743-6628 to schedule a consultation .
Source:
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