Overview
The Badger state is home to many ongoing road construction projects, some of which seem to threaten becoming permanent features of the landscape. Wisconsin drivers must recognize, however, that driving through a construction zone can be more than simply annoying—it can be dangerous, even deadly. Accident data indicates that approximately four construction zone accidents occur on Wisconsin roads each day. Sometimes these accidents are the fault of drivers who ignore posted reduced speed limits, drivers that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers distracted because of cell phone use, or fatigued drivers. However, many other accidents are the result of negligent road work
At the Milwaukee law firm of MacGillis Law Group, LLC, our experienced Milwaukee construction zone accident attorneys have helped countless area residents recover damages in all types of auto accidents and collisions, including accidents caused by dangerous construction zone conditions, and we aggressively pursue contractors and road crews who negligently set unsafe construction zones that injure unwitting drivers.
WHAT SAFETY STANDARDS MUST A WISCONSIN ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MEET?
Because ongoing road work is also considered a workspace by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), general contractors already must meet federal guidelines intended to prevent injuries to their employees. Reducing the speed limit in construction zones—and doubling the speeding fine when a driver is ticketed for speeding in a construction zone—has played a role in reducing highway construction worker fatalities. Wisconsin drivers should know that any moving violation—not just speeding—occurring in any construction zone within the state can result in doubling the fine, regardless of whether a sign is posted at the site warning drivers of this law.
Finally, a construction zone accident can be caused by the misuse of tools and equipment, or the unsafe operation of a truck or crane, by construction site workers.
However, inadequate or confusing construction zone signage also causes many construction zone accidents when: