Motorcyclist Claims Poorly Marked Construction Zone Caused Accident
A Utah man that was the victim of a motorcycle accident in a construction zone is claiming the zone was not properly marked, which led to his accident. Utah Highway Patrol was investigating the accident to determine if the construction zone was in fact improperly marked or barricaded to prevent the accident. The victim stated there were no orange barrels barricading the construction zone and that he rode through a large gap that he thought was an open lane in the roadway.
The accident occurred at night and the rider estimated his speed to be 50 miles per hour. He suffered injuries ranging from a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder, road rash, and a fractured left ankle. The state Department of Transportation stated they placed more barrels to block the gaps to prevent more accidents from occurring.
The website workzonesafety.org estimates the number of automobile accidents in construction or maintenance zones is roughly 17 in the state of Arizona. In the United States the total number is roughly 667 auto accidents in construction zones. In construction zones, the area should be properly marked off and barricaded by orange barrels and there should be signs detailing any detours that drivers are required to take to avoid the construction zone. If the construction zone is not barricaded properly, it could be used to prove that the construction company was negligent in adding the barricades and signage to detour drivers.
Poor road conditions in or around construction zones is another factor that could play a part in many automobile accidents. Debris from the construction project could be scattered on the road and could cause a serious accident if a driver is unable to avoid it. If the roadway is being resurfaced, the poor condition of the road under construction could also cause serious accidents. Although accidents related to poor markings in construction zones are rare, they are accidents that can be completely avoided if the construction company in charge of the site placed the proper barricades in the construction site. A driver should not have to face serious injury related to an accident in a construction zone when it can be avoided.
