A1A Construction Increases Risk of Traffic Injuries in Broward
Be careful along A1A. We are entering the height of tourist season and this old, antiquated road will be packed with bumper to bumper traffic — intermixed with bicyclists, pedestrians, springbreakers, revelers and rabble-rousers.
Did we mention it will also be under construction?
City transportation officials are doing some heavy work along this roadway to help to correct the damage that was caused by Hurricane Sandy. According to the Sun Sentinel, crews are only working on a new sea wall now, but they will soon be working to add extra lanes for vehicular traffic and new bike lanes for bicyclists.
There's going to be a lot going on in the area and travelers are urged to be careful out there. Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys ask that you try to steer clear of A1A from Northeast 14th Court and 18th Street, north of Sunrise Boulevard. It's going to be congested and it's going to be dangerous. Road work areas are dangerous places for car accidents. This is especially true in heavy traffic. We're right in the middle our tourist season and we've got Spring Break quickly approaching. With all of those vehicles on our roadways, accidents are more likely. When you add in the dangers of work zones, these risks skyrocket.
"This will be the most noticeable work that's taken place so far," said Barbara Kelleher, a spokeswoman with FDOT.
Roadwork will be going on every day from now through the first week of May. Hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays. This is a project that's running a tab of more than $8 million.
The road is going to stay open, but notice that the speed limit has been dropped to 25 miles per hour.
While crew are working on the road and restriping lanes, you're asked to be on the lookout. Slow it down, keep distractions away from the driver and travel with caution.
When traveling in areas like this, especially with heavy traffic, you want to be on your best behavior behind the wheel. Pay attention to road signs and abide by what they say. Slow down your speed and keep an eye out for roadside workers and equipment. Keep an eye out for other vehicles, too. Drivers can get distracted in these areas and can drift into areas they're not supposed to be.
Remember that about 85 percent of the people who are killed in these work zones are those in a motor vehicle. Most work zone accidents involve either a passenger car or an SUV. In 2010, there were close to 600 people killed in work zone accidents, according to The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse. In the state of Florida, there were close to 45 fatalities that occurred in motor vehicle accidents in work zones during that year. let's work together and practice safe and cautious driving habits to help to reduce these risks and to keep everyone safe in these zones.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-561-7777.
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