In response to an increase in the number of construction zone accidents on Oklahoma highways, officials are urging motorists throughout the state to slow down and pay attention while behind the wheel. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), there were 1,400 collisions statewide last year, resulting in 800 injuries and 16 deaths. “Over …
In response to an increase in the number of construction zone accidents on Oklahoma highways, officials are urging motorists throughout the state to slow down and pay attention while behind the wheel. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), there were 1,400 collisions statewide last year, resulting in 800 injuries and 16 deaths. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen an increase of about 76, 78% of fatalities in work zones,” said Randle White with ODOT, and several of the deaths involve highway construction workers. If you have been injured in a construction zone car accident in Oklahoma, or if you lost a loved one in such an accident, consult our reputable lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your possible compensation options.
Risk of Construction Zone Accidents in Oklahoma
One of the most recent Oklahoma construction zone accidents took place near 51st and Sheridan on March 27, when a 59-year-old construction worker for Becco Contractors died after being struck by a pickup truck. “It’s just like any other close knit company. It feels like a family member,” said a project manager for Becco Contractors, Aaron Wilcox. “It feels like you need to go out and start telling everybody watch out for cars when they’re working, don’t turn your back on vehicles.”
Preventing OK Work Zone Accidents
According to state officials, many construction zone accidents, injuries and deaths in Oklahoma could be prevented if drivers paid more attention behind the wheel. “I’ve seen people change the radio station, and read the newspaper and we’ve all seen them smoke cigarettes, drop them, do a lot of things other than paying attention,” said Capt. George Brown with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Tulsa metro area in particular leads the state in the number of collisions in construction zones. According to OK officials, 541 accidents occurred in Tulsa work zones in 2012, compared to 465 wrecks in the Oklahoma City area.
Contact Our Attorneys Today for Legal Help
In an effort to increase awareness about the risks of construction zone accidents in Oklahoma and to encourage Oklahoma drivers to slow down and pay attention on the state’s roadways, Gov. Mary Fallin has proclaimed this week as “Work Zone Awareness Week.” If you have suffered injuries in a work zone accident or another type of car accident in Oklahoma, contact our knowledgeable attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center for legal help. Our law firm is located in Oklahoma City, and our lawyers have years of experience protecting the rights of car accident victims throughout the state. With our legal team on your side, you can pursue the financial compensation you deserve and protect yourself and your family from further harm.