Avoid CalTrans Accidents: Be Aware of Extra Roadwork

Read the blog from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA below. 

While local stay-at-home orders were fully in place and freeways were seeing a significant reduction in traffic, state officials were taking advantage of the situation by ramping up their roadwork projects.

Road workers were able to work during the daylight hours instead of at nighttime and were enjoying being able to close down long stretches of the roadway at a time, completing their projects well in advance of schedule. According to the Sacramento Bee, traffic during the pandemic was down 36% in California’s urban areas.



While the reduction in traffic was proving to be an asset for CalTrans workers, the extra roadwork also increased the risk of CalTrans accidents. Here is what you can do to be aware of extra roadwork and help prevent accidents now that the stay-at-home order has loosened up.

How to Prevent Road Construction Accidents

As a motorist using the roadways, you have a duty and responsibility to slow down and remain vigilant for construction zones. California state laws impose severe penalties for those caught speeding through a construction zone.

On the other side of the coin, CalTrans workers and other construction crew have a responsibility to reduce hazardous situations for drivers. If a company, crew, or government entity is negligent in a roadway construction zone, they can be held liable for any damages that result from a car accident.

There are many causes of roadway accidents, including:

• Negligent traffic control in the construction zone
• Insufficient barriers or guardrails
• Confusing or inadequate lane markings
• Improper signage
• Uneven pavement
• Lane changes
• Sudden stops
• Improper construction zone setup
• Debris, equipment, or vehicles left in the roadway
• Unsafe lane merges
• Inclement weather
• Speeding
• Distracted or impaired driving

Minimizing CalTrans Accidents

Most of us are abiding by our local and state laws and restrictions regarding staying at home during the pandemic. That said, we still must use our roadways from time to time, whether you’re an essential worker or simply heading out to get groceries or take a drive.

The first step in preventing road construction accidents is to be aware that there’s an increase in construction and to remain hyper-vigilant on the roadways. If you or your family member are injured in a road construction accident, we urge you to contact a Sacramento Injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.

Discuss Your Case With a Construction and Truck Accident Lawyer

State and local authorities, contractors, and workers are legally obliged to follow specific rules when operating a construction zone, even during the extraordinary times of this pandemic. If those rules are not followed, it can create a hazardous situation for those who still need to travel our roadways.

Our team of Sacramento injury lawyers understands exactly how to handle these cases and we’ll fight hard to get you the justice you deserve by holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligent actions.

We are all working hard to keep everyone safe during this time of crisis, however, accidents can and do still happen. If you’re the unfortunate victim of a CalTrans accident, get in touch with us today – don’t wait for the pandemic to be over; we’ll provide dedicated, personal support remotely.