Spring Road Construction Increases Atlanta Truck Accident Risks

Spring in Atlanta brings longer days and comfortable weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, it also means an increase in road construction projects throughout Georgia.

When traveling on interstates surrounding the city or other roads throughout the state, be aware of how spring construction projects increase the likelihood of truck accidents. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers represent clients in these cases and explain more about the risks and how to protect yourself and your passengers.

Atlanta Truck Accidents: How Spring Road Construction Projects Make Them More Likely To Happen

Each year, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) launches a slate of road improvement projects in the spring, ranging from highway resurfacing to bridge repairs and expansion work.

While upgrades are necessary, they create a perfect storm for Atlanta truck accidents. Factors that make work zones hazardous for all motorists, but particularly truckers, include:

• Narrowed lanes and reduced shoulders, making it harder for trucks to maneuver or stop suddenly;
• Construction zone congestion, which increases braking frequency and reduces reaction time;
• Unclear detour signs or lane markings, which can confuse both truckers and motorists, leading to erratic driving;
• Inexperienced or fatigued truck drivers, who may not adapt well to dynamic construction environments;
• Speeding and distracted driving, which are common among both truck and passenger vehicle operators, amplify the risks.

According to GDOT, nearly 40 percent of work zone crashes in Georgia involve large trucks, highlighting the need for extra caution.

How To Protect Yourself Against Truck Accidents In Atlanta Construction Zones

While you can’t control the conditions of Georgia’s roadways or when Atlanta construction projects take place, there are precautions you can take to minimize the impact. In addition to staying informed about ongoing construction and allowing additional time to reach your destination, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends taking these steps to reduce truck accident risks:

• Keep your distance when following trucks in construction zones and be prepared for sudden stops;
• Avoid blind spots on either side of tractor-trailers and other big rigs, which increase your chances of being impacted by a crash;
• Be patient and never cut in front of a truck in a work zone;
• Obey posted speed limits, even if the area looks clear;
• Stay alert to flaggers, signage, and shifting lanes, and always keep your eyes on the road.

Injured In An Atlanta Truck Accident? Contact Shiver Hamilton

Truck accidents in Atlanta are common in construction zones and can impact multiple motorists nearby. If you or a loved one gets injured in a collision, you need professional legal guidance to get compensation for your property damages, medical expenses, and other costs.

Shiver Hamilton, LLC has extensive experience in these claims and provides the trusted, local legal representation you need to get compensation. We help clients throughout the area, including Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. Contact our office today to request a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyer.

Sources:

dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/Projects.aspx

dot.ga.gov/GDOT/pages/WorkZoneSafety.aspx

fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/work-zones-safety-tips