There was a deadly construction accident in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania on April 17, 2024. According to reports, a box truck traveling on Interstate 83 struck a construction vehicle parked on the side of the highway early Wednesday morning. The box truck continued, striking three workers and killing them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly accident.
The risk posed by vehicles on highways to construction workers is substantial and multifaceted, primarily due to the proximity of fast-moving traffic near work zones. Highways are inherently hazardous environments for construction personnel due to the high speeds at which vehicles travel. Despite the implementation of reduced speed limits and warning signs in construction zones, not all drivers adhere to these modifications, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Moreover, the layout of these zones often requires lanes to be narrowed or diverted, which can confuse drivers and lead to dangerous maneuvers close to areas where workers are present. These factors combine to create an environment where even a small error or moment of inattention by a driver can lead to a serious or even fatal collision with on-site workers.
Distraction among drivers is another major risk for construction workers on highways. With the increasing prevalence of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, drivers are often not fully focused on the road. This lack of attention is particularly dangerous in construction zones where conditions can change rapidly and where workers may be very close to the flow of traffic. The presence of construction equipment and vehicles entering and exiting the work area can further complicate driving conditions, requiring heightened vigilance that distracted drivers may not be able to maintain. The erratic or unpredictable behavior of distracted drivers increases the risk of swift accidents, leaving workers with little time to react and move to safety.
To mitigate these risks, significant safety measures are necessary both to protect workers and to alert and control traffic in construction zones. These include physical barriers such as cones and barriers that create a buffer zone between traffic and workers, as well as active measures like flaggers and warning signs to guide traffic safely around or through the work area. Implementing rigorous safety protocols and ensuring that all workers wear high-visibility clothing are also crucial steps in enhancing worker safety. Additionally, ongoing education campaigns aimed at the public to promote safe driving behaviors in construction zones are essential to reduce the incidence of accidents. Despite these efforts, the proximity of fast-moving vehicles continues to pose a substantial risk to highway construction workers, underscoring the need for continuous improvement in safety practices and driver awareness.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths and injuries on construction projects. A portion of a crane on a high-rise construction project fell while stepping the crane in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 4, 2024. A worker was struck by a backhoe in Richmond, Virginia on April 11, 2024. The boom of a crane collapsed at the Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas on April 12, 2024. There was a deadly forklift accident in Los Angeles, California on April 15, 2024. There was a crane accident at Venture Global LNG in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana on April 16, 2024.
Despite being a vital part of the economy, construction projects often pose severe hazards both to construction workers and to the general public if precautions are not taken. Each construction project poses its own unique risks and hazards based on the work being done. Risks that may present themselves during a project must be carefully evaluated before the job begins.
Our experienced lawyers have handled personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits of all kinds and have the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously. The experienced construction personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident at a work site.
Our lawyers have represented numerous workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries on a job site as a result of the negligence of another party. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.