Third of All Road Deaths Work Related
In study after study, it has been determined that more people die in work related accidents on the road than non-work related accidents. In other words, people who make a living working on the streets, roadways, and highways of the world, are more likely to be involved in a hit-an-run than someone crossing the street. Despite the many warning signs that accompany the workers’ truck, people still seem to disregard the obvious.
When driving by orange and white cones, large steel trucks that say danger on them, and people dressed in orange vests with shovels, picks, and other heavy equipment in their hands, it’s always prudent to slow down, watch the road ahead just a little more carefully, and pay attention to the signs. All this means that there are likely people working up ahead, and they are in a dangerous spot. It’s up to the driver to determine just how dangerous the spot is, and act accordingly.
If there is a hole the size of a small building, slowing down to avoid that hole is the way to go. And, it’s more likely that there is someone either in that hole or nearby trying to determine how to plug it, that the driver should be conscious of. Trying to avoid accidents should be the number one priority of any driver. Safety first, means looking out for those on the road as well as remembering those in the car.
Because of these kinds of accidents and others, insurance rates rise. People are swelling up the emergency rooms in hospitals all over because of these types of accidents – ones that could have been prevented. These accidents cause workers undue injuries and illnesses; keeps them out of work for an undetermined amount of time, and raises their medical insurance rates.
In addition, the doctors that have to treat them have gotten richer along with the hospital. Meanwhile, if the worker can’t pay their bill on time, it goes on their credit report and soon they have to rob Peter, to pay Paul. It’s a snowball effect that can go very wrong, very quickly. It affects everyone involved, including the driver who started the whole thing in the first place. Their premiums go up, they have a ticket to account for and a court date which may have them missing work, and on, and on.
Using great care while driving is a must because driving itself is a great responsibility. Making sure your insurance is current, and your cell phone is off. Keep your eyes on the road at all times no matter what may catch your eye. And by all means, watch out for people in a work area when those orange and white cones are visible. It means someone could get hurt if care is not taken to avoid it.