If you live in Michigan you know that there are only two seasons in Michigan, Winter and construction. Every year as the snow melts and temperatures rise, orange barrels and detour signs seem to take over roads across Michigan. Even though this construction is essential for infrastructure and keeping the road safe, it makes the roads much more congested and, at times, difficult to navigate. In this blog, we will be discussing why summertime is construction season in Michigan, why construction plays a large role in the 100 deadliest days, how to properly drive in construction zones, and your rights if you’re injured as a construction worker.
Why summer means construction season in Michigan
Road construction is so prevalent during the summer in Michigan mostly due to weather conditions. Michigan winters bring snow, ice, and frigid temperatures that make road work nearly impossible.
On the other hand, Michigan summers bring warm, dry temperatures and longer days that are optimal for doing road work. These conditions provide the consistent climate needed to properly fix the roads that you cannot get during the winter months. As a result, construction companies are forced to squeeze all of their road construction into the four to five month period in which road construction is optimal.
The most common hazards in construction zones
Driving in construction zones is significantly more difficult than driving on regular roadways for a combination of different reasons such as:
- Narrowed or shifted lanes
- Disrupted road surfaces
- Unexpected stops and congestion
- Confusing or changing traffic patterns
- Presence of workers and equipment
- Distracted or impatient drivers
These are only some of the many different ways in which construction can add complexity, risk, and unpredictability to your daily drive during the summer.
Potential Repercussions
Experiencing construction on the roadway can be a very frustrating experience as roads get more congested, traffic increases, and driving becomes more difficult.
In these situations, it is very important to keep your emotions in check as letting your frustration take the wheel can lead to large fines and potential legal consequences.
Michigan law imposes stricter penalties for traffic violations in construction zones designed to protect road workers and improve safety in these high-risk areas. Some of these enhanced penalties include doubled fines for any traffic violation, even if there are no workers present at the time, higher chances of receiving license points, and higher insurance premiums as insurers treat work zone violations as high-risk behavior. However, the most severe risk in a work zone is hitting a construction worker. At times, these individuals will be working just feet away from the roadway with little protection. A moment of inattention or a reckless maneuver can result in catastrophic injury or even death. In Michigan the penalties for injuring or killing a construction worker on the road include misdemeanor or felony charges that can result in up to 15 years in prison, fines up to $7,500, and mandatory license suspension or revocation. On top of that you can also be sued by the injured worker (or their family) in a personal injury lawsuit for medical expenses, lost wages/future earnings, and pain and suffering. This can lead to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages that you are responsible for paying.
All in all, when entering a construction zone it is imperative that you are constantly alert and abiding by the laws within the work zone because the consequences for hitting a construction worker or even a simple traffic violation can be devastating legally and financially.
How to navigate through construction zones safely
As road construction is so common during the summertime in Michigan, it is extremely important to understand and have the ability to navigate through these added difficulties of driving in a construction zone.
To avoid large fines or potentially injuring a construction worker, it is extremely important that you slow down and abide by the speed limits within the work zone when you start to see the warning signs.
It is also important to remain aware while driving through construction zones, paying close attention to the signage, cones, lane shifts, flaggers, etc. as all of these aspects may vary based on the circumstances. Be sure to watch for unexpected equipment movement, being especially mindful of workers. Their safety depends on your attentiveness.
Leaving early can be a great tool in these situations as it will eliminate the extra stress and frustration of being late that may result in an irrational decision being made behind the wheel.
Lastly, always maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow for reaction time to sudden stops and any other unexpected changes. As with on any regular roadway it is critical to expect the unexpected and drive defensively when navigating through work zones.
Following these safety precautions will not only save you from potential fines, criminal charges, and civil lawsuits, but it will also keep the construction workers as well as the people in your vehicle safe when driving through construction zones.
Injured as a Construction worker? Know your rights:
As a construction worker in Michigan, it is important to understand your rights if you were to get hit while on the job.
In Michigan, construction workers are almost always entitled to workers compensation regardless of who’s at fault. These benefits usually cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Permanent disability benefits
As mentioned above, construction workers also have the right to sue a third party such as the at-fault driver, the contractors or subcontractors, the property owners, etc. as long as they demonstrate negligence. Construction workers have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation beyond the worker’s compensation benefits. In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs not covered by worker’s compensation benefits
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
Construction workers are also entitled to consult with or hire a personal injury attorney to ensure proper treatment from worker’s compensation, investigate potential third party claims, and navigate complex liability issues.
Proceed With Caution
As Michiganders, we all know how much construction there is during the summer months. By staying alert, slowing down, and respecting all construction rules, you help ensure everyone – workers, drivers, and passengers – makes it home safely.
Get David Get Paid
Were you or someone you know injured on a construction site or injured due to someone else’s negligence? If so, trust the experienced team of personal injury lawyers at Femminineo Law to help you get the compensation you deserve. At Femminineo Law, we fight for the maximum possible compensation possible for our clients so that they can focus on their recovery. Call us at 855-65-CRASH or visit our website for a free consultation today!
