How to Navigate Through Road Work in San Antonio

San Antonio is under a lot of construction right now and for the foreseeable future.. As a driver in this city, you likely encounter work zones where road work is being completed during your daily commutes.

While road work is necessary to improve and repair highways and roadways, it can also cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. That is why it is crucial for you to know how to safely navigate through road work across the Alamo City.

Current road work and construction in San

According to a new online tool introduced last year by Centro San Antonio, there are many different construction projects occurring in various areas of downtown San Antonio. Some of these projects include road maintenance, hotels, residential spaces, and cultural and public amenities. It makes sense as to why drivers constantly see construction cones, machinery, and crewmembers working along highways and local roadways. In 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimated that there were over 3,000 active work zones across Texas, and not much has changed since.

How many accidents occur in or near road work zones?

The Texas Department of Transportation recently released a report providing details about accidents occurring in or near road work zones. Some of the facts you should know from the report include:

• Over 26,000 accidents occurred in work zones in Texas in 2023.
• Almost 200 people died as a result of these accidents.
• Over 800 people suffered severe and life-threatening injuries.
• Around 77 percent of fatalities were drivers and passengers.
• Out of 200 total fatalities, two were road workers.
• Distracted driving, improper lane changes, and speeding were the main causes of work zone accidents.

How to navigate through construction work in San Antonio

There are six important steps you should take when navigating through construction work in San Antonio, including:

1. Follow the speed limits: Most of the time, workers will put up new speed limit signs for construction zones. It is essential to reduce your speed when going through these areas. By following the temporary speed limits, you will increase the safety of everyone on the road, including construction crews.
2. Pay close attention to what is happening around you: Going through a work zone can be nerve-racking. Make sure you pay very close attention to the road and everything happening around you. Within seconds, you could collide with a work vehicle, another car, or even run over a construction worker.
3. Give other drivers plenty of room: Remember that other drivers are likely stressed out just like you. Be courteous and give them plenty of room. If you follow too closely when they hit the brakes, a rear-end can result.
4. Follow any instructions, signs, or signals provided: It is common to see signs and signals informing you about what to do in work zones. Sometimes, a construction worker or flagger will even give direct instructions. This reduces the confusion that often comes with road work. However, you must ensure that you follow and obey this information, or you could end up in a closed lane, hazardous area, or a collision.
5. Stay patient and give yourself more time: Impatience is one of the most common mistakes drivers make in construction areas. With any road work, delays are expected; give yourself more time to make it to work, school, meetings, appointments, or anywhere else you need to go. Becoming impatient or driving aggressively will only lead to danger or a devastating crash.
6. Merge or switch lanes carefully and early: When you see that the lane is running out or closing, do not wait until the last minute to merge or switch lanes. Instead, begin merging or changing lanes as early as possible. Carefully switch lanes when it is safe to do so. Do not suddenly merge or change lanes without warning, as this will only increase the chance of an accident.

If you were recently involved in a work zone accident, taking legal action as soon as possible is essential. Since 1953, Pat Maloney, Jr. has been helping clients with car crashes, including those that happen due to road work.  An experienced San Antonio car accident attorney can help you obtain the best results possible. To schedule a free consultation at Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, please call our office or complete our contact form today.