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Even though the United States has had the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 with less traffic on the roads, work zone crashes and fatalities have spiked in some states, according to highway safety officials. During the pandemic, more transportation departments stepped up maintenance, repairs, and construction adding to the potential of more work zone accidents.

Travel dropped 40 percent in April 2020 and 26 percent in May 2020 compared to the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Drivers are zooming through work zones and are distracted causing more risk to workers who are striping roads, patching potholes, directing traffic, or building roads and highways.

There has been an increase in the number of motorists caught speeding more than 100 mph in recent months. This is alarming for work zones.

“Speeding has really come to the forefront during COVID. People are going much too fast,” said Pam Shadel Fischer, a senior director at the Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety offices. “In work zones, that’s the worst thing we can have happen.”

Not just workers are being injured. Drivers and their passengers also suffer from work zone accidents. The latest available data in 2018 showed there were 672 fatal crashes in work zones, of which only 124 were workers, according to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, which collects federal data.

Drivers need to pay particular attention in work zones because they are dangerous. Daily traffic pattern changes, narrowing rights-of-way, and other construction activities may be more challenging to navigate, according to the NHTSA.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reported that in 2016, Florida had the second-highest number of fatal traffic crashes in work zones in the nation. To help combat the problem of crashes in work zone areas, FDOT is focusing on:

• Enforcement: Enforcing traffic laws within the work zone area
• Communication Program: Public awareness and education regarding work zone safety

During National Work Zone Awareness Week – April 26 – 30, 2021, the Life Savers’ Conference will be virtually held. The conference will focus on highway safety priorities offering virtual training, networking, and outreach presentations for current and future careers in highway safety.

“If you or a loved one is injured in a work zone accident, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We have an experienced legal team ready to assist you 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. We limit our practice specifically to personal injury and wrongful death cases so that we can fully concentrate our efforts on gaining compensation for those who have suffered the most. We represent people throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation,” said Florida Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Florida Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.