Construction Zone Speed Limits

Speed is a major factor in far too many fatal car accidents, making excess speed one of the most dangerous driving practices. Motorists are responsible for driving at a safe speed not only in relation to the speed limit but also in relation to the road’s condition and to what’s happening on the ground, which sometimes includes road construction. If a speeding driver leaves you injured in a construction zone accident, seek the professional legal guidance of an experienced car accident attorney today.

Indiana’s government Work Zone Safety article mentions:

Respect the posted speed limits and safely merge as soon as safely possible as this will allow traffic to flow smoothly. Keep in mind, driving 45 MPH instead of 55 MPH through a 5 mile work zone will only add 1.2 minutes to your trip.

The Statistics

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares the following construction zone accident statistics:

• From 1982 to 2019, 28,636 people lost their lives in construction zone accidents, which breaks down to an average of 774 deaths per year.
• From 2015 to 2019, the average fatality rate was 782 deaths per year. 

When motorists fail to adjust their speed, it greatly increases the risk of dangerous construction zone accidents.

Paying Attention to Construction Zone Signs

Construction zones use traffic signs and signals to inform motorists what to expect ahead and to let them know that reducing their speed is necessary. Such signs commonly include:

• Detours
• Road closures
• Lane merges
• Uneven lanes
• Hazardous materials on roadways
• Decreased speed limits

The road signs used in construction zones are generally orange with black lettering and are either diamond or rectangular in shape. Electronic signs and speed indicators are also common – as are orange cones, barrels, and barricades that cordon off those areas where motorists are not allowed.

Motorists who fail to take all of this into careful consideration often cause work zone accidents, and excess speed is the most common culprit. Those who fail to follow the posted construction zone speed limit (or any other rules of the road) face enhanced fines if ticketed.

Construction Zone Speed Guidelines

The federal government sets careful speed guidelines that are intended to help keep construction zones safer for everyone. The idea is to allow motorists adequate time to safely react to whatever they encounter on the road ahead, including construction workers. 

Staying Safe

Construction zones are some of the most dangerous stretches of road, but there are several things you can do to help protect yourself behind the wheel, including:

• Always scrupulously follow the posted speed limit, and if the situation warrants it, slow down even further.
• Avoid breaking suddenly by paying attention to what is going on around you and slowing down steadily in response (allowing those behind you to do the same)
• Expect the unexpected and remain hyper-alert to trucks pulling in and out, changes in traffic flow, and more.

Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced Indiana Car Accident Attorney 

If a speeding motorist leaves you injured in a construction zone accident, the formidable Indiana car accident attorneys at Blackburn Romey have a wealth of experience advocating for the fair compensation of clients like you. We’re here for you, too, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us for more information today.