Chicago Workers' Compensation Attorney Blog

Construction projects dot the area this summer, increasing the risk of traffic crashes. Two projects will be underway on Interstate 80 for the entire duration of the summer season. The 22-mile stretch of roadwork is expected to be completed late this fall, according to The Herald-News.

There's a lot more worrying state police Capt. Michael Cooke, commander of District 5, than the delayed traffic. He's more concerned with the lack of driver focus and attention and worries that it will be construction workers that will be most at risk. Work accidents in Chicago often occur in construction zones when drivers fail to pay attention.

Our Illinois workers' compensation attorneys encourage drivers to follow all stated rules and regulations in these construction areas to help keep our road workers safe.

Crooke reports that the number of serious accidents along that area of work has indeed experienced an increase since the work began. From April 20 to the 20th of May, accidents on that stretch of road saw a 52 percent increase over last year's statistics. When both work zones are included, the accident rates spiked roughly 70 percent.

“We’re trying to get the word out and make sure people understand it can be dangerous in a construction zone if they’re not paying attention,” Cooke said. “When they take their eyes off that windshield that’s when we’re ending up with problems.”

The construction is not entirely to blame though, studies show that a number of the accidents are caused by drivers that are distracted and either using their cell phone, texting or messing with the radio station while behind the wheel. Distracted driving seems to be the number one issue in these construction areas.

Increased patrol visibility has been set out on these construction areas, but officials believe this may not solve the problem.

“We could have as many officers out there as possible, and it will never be enough,” Cooke said. “Our job out there is really to keep people alive. There is nothing worse than to hear there is a fatality or a serious accident.”

Car Junky offers you these safety tips to help you pass through these construction zones safely:

-Be extra cautious. Be on the lookout for rubber-necking drivers. Always practice your defensive driving skills and be prepared to act on another driver's unexpected maneuver.

-Try planning ahead. If you know you'll be passing through a construction zone on your way to your destination, try another route or at least allow yourself with plenty of time to get through these zones.

-Remain calm. Don't let other impatient or speedy drivers affect your safe driving skills.

-Abide by all posted and modified road signs.

-Give trucks extra room. As they are typically larger and have a harder time maneuvering through the area, allow them to have extra room within these areas.