Yesterday the Arrive Alive website received a report from Netcare 911 with reference to an accident in a construction zone in KZN. We would like to quote:
“Netcare 911 paramedics rushed to the scene of an accident on the M41 near the Phoenix off ramp. When paramedics arrived on scene they found that a car lost control, went off the road and into a construction site injuring 4 construction workers. The patients were treated on scene and then transported to the Netcare Umhlanga hospital for further treatment.”
As we approach 2010 we find much construction activity on our roads. These construction and maintenance zones have roadway signs in advance to warn motorists that road work is being done. Active work zones are designated as such to notify motorists when they enter and leave the work zone.
What are the main causes of deaths and injuries at construction zones?
• Speeding traffic – the number one cause of death and injury in highway construction work zones.
• Inadequate sign posting and lighting and drivers failing to notice road workers.
• Drivers do not pay attention to work zone signs or flaggers indicating they should slow down or come to a stop
• Drivers are distracted by cellular phone calls, conversations, and activities at roadside and are not merging properly.
• Drivers are driving right up to the last second and then try to force themselves in – if the other driver doesn’t let them get in, they enter the work zones and endanger the lives of workers.
We would like to urge all road users to use special caution near construction zones. View the Arrive Alive website for more info on “Road Safety near Construction Zones / Road Works”