Last week, a roadside worker was injured on the job in Haywood County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on a portion of Interstate 40, between the state line and mile marker 15, on Wednesday morning. Very few details about this incident have been released, but we do know that a contract worker for the NCDOT was injured while working on the two-year rehabilitation project on I-40.

Initial reports indicate that this happened near Cold Spring Creek Road (Exit 7), just after 10:30 a.m. At this time, no information has been released on the extent of that person’s injuries. A portion of the roadway was closed as crews and first responders worked the scene. They had the roadway reopened by about 12:45 p.m.

Work Zone Safety in The U.S.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 100 road construction workers are killed in construction zones every year, and nearly half of those workers are killed as a result of being hit by vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration recently participated in National Work Zone Awareness Week.

During the second week in April, safety advocates across the nation worked to raise awareness about work zone safety. Their “Drive Like You Work Here” campaign was specifically targeted to motorists who might speed or drive distracted through work zones. Listed below are some Work Zone Safety Tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Work Zone Safety Tips

  • Watch the traffic around you, and prepare to slow down and obey signs and flaggers.
  • Increase following distance.
  • Use extreme caution when driving through a work zone at night, whether workers are present or not.
  • Expect delays, plan for them and leave early to reach your destination.
  • When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternative routes.

Work Zone Accidents in Asheville

Roadside workers deserve to be safe in their workplace. Above all, never engage in any distracted behaviors behind the wheel, in a work zone or out of one. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a work zone accident, contact the skilled and proven Personal Injury team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation.