In Wisconsin, the arrival of summer is not only marked by warm weather but also by the appearance of orange cones, road closures, and highway construction projects. While road improvements are necessary, construction zones can pose serious dangers to both drivers and road workers. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, thousands of crashes occur in work zones every year, many leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
As a driver, it’s your responsibility to navigate these areas safely. In this guide, we’ll explain key safety tips for driving through construction zones, highlight common hazards, and clarify what happens if you or someone else is injured in a work-zone crash.
Why Construction Zones Are So Dangerous
Construction zones present several unique risks that make them more hazardous than regular roadways. These include:
- Narrowed lanes that give drivers less room to maneuver.
- Abrupt lane shifts or detours that may confuse unfamiliar drivers.
- Reduced speed limits that, if ignored, increase the risk of severe collisions.
- Workers and equipment near traffic, often with little physical barrier between them and moving vehicles.
- Distracted or impatient drivers, who may try to speed through or make unsafe lane changes.
Even a minor mistake in a work zone can have serious consequences. That’s why Wisconsin law enforces double fines for traffic violations in construction areas and encourages drivers to exercise extra caution.
Key Tips for Safely Navigating Wisconsin Work Zones
- Slow Down Well Before Entering the Zone
Speed limits are typically reduced in construction areas to give you more time to react to changes in traffic flow, lane shifts, or unexpected hazards. Start slowing down as soon as you see warning signs, even if you don’t yet see construction ahead.
Crashes in work zones often happen because drivers wait too long to reduce speed. Always assume that road workers or stopped vehicles may be just around the bend.
- Pay Attention to Signs and Flaggers
Construction signs exist to inform you of lane closures, detours, and road conditions. Flaggers are there to direct traffic and keep everyone safe. Ignoring them is not only dangerous but illegal.
If a flagger is signaling for you to stop, slow down, or merge, follow their directions carefully. They may be trying to prevent a head-on collision with oncoming vehicles sharing the same lane.
- Keep a Safe Distance From Other Vehicles
Tailgating is especially dangerous in construction zones where sudden stops are common. Always keep a safe following distance between your car and the one in front of you. This gives you time to react if traffic suddenly slows or stops.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of crashes in work zones. They’re often avoidable simply by backing off and being patient.
- Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Put your phone away. Don’t eat or adjust your radio. In a construction zone, even a moment of distraction can be deadly. Reduced lane widths, sudden merges, and confusing traffic patterns require your full attention.
According to the Wisconsin DOT, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of work-zone accidents. Staying focused can prevent tragedy.
- Merge Early and Don’t Cut In
When lanes are closed, start merging as soon as you see signs. Don’t wait until the last second, and don’t try to cut into the front of a long line. Not only is this frustrating to other drivers, but it increases the chance of side-swipe accidents and delays everyone’s progress.
In some cases, Wisconsin uses a “zipper merge” approach, where both lanes are used to the merge point. Watch signs carefully to know what’s expected.
- Watch for Pedestrians and Road Workers
Remember, work zones often place workers just a few feet from moving traffic. Give them space. Many crews are working with limited visibility, so even if they don’t see you coming, you should always be prepared to stop.
Failing to yield to workers or construction vehicles can lead to serious injuries and even criminal charges in extreme cases.
What Happens If You’re Injured in a Construction Zone Accident?
Determining Liability in a Work-Zone Crash
Accidents in construction zones can involve multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following may be responsible:
- Negligent drivers who were speeding, distracted, or failed to follow work-zone rules.
- Construction companies that failed to post proper signage or created unsafe conditions.
- Government entities responsible for overseeing roadwork or traffic management.
- Equipment operators or contractors who failed to follow safety protocols.
Establishing liability in a construction zone crash is often more complicated than a standard car accident. An experienced attorney can help investigate what happened and determine who may be at fault.
Injured While Driving?
If another driver’s negligence resulted in your accident, such as rear-ending you or sideswiping your car while speeding through a work zone, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim for damages. These may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
Injured as a Road Worker?
Construction workers injured by reckless drivers have rights too. Depending on the situation, you may qualify for:
- Workers’ compensation through your employer
- Personal injury claims against negligent third parties
- Disability benefits for long-term or permanent injuries
At Lindner Law, we represent both injured motorists and workers hurt in construction zone crashes. No matter your role in the crash, we can help protect your rights.
What Wisconsin Law Says About Work-Zone Safety
Wisconsin has strict laws regarding driving in work zones. Notably:
- Speeding in a work zone can result in double fines, even if no workers are present.
- Reckless driving, tailgating, or failing to yield to construction vehicles may result in enhanced penalties.
- Drivers who injure or kill a road worker can face felony charges, including jail time and license suspension.
These laws are designed to deter dangerous behavior and protect both workers and the public.
What to Do After a Construction Zone Accident
If you’re involved in a crash in a work zone:
- Call 911 immediately. Get police and medical responders on the scene.
- Document everything. Take photos, gather witness information, and save medical records.
- Do not admit fault. Leave that to investigators and legal professionals.
- Call a personal injury attorney. Construction zone crashes can involve multiple layers of liability. It’s important to have someone who understands the law on your side.
Lindner Law, LLC Is Here to Help
At Lindner Law LLC, we understand the complexities of work-zone crashes. Whether you were driving through construction or working on the road when the accident happened, our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to help.
We offer:
- Free consultations
- No fees unless we win
- Personalized attention for every client
- Offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and throughout Wisconsin
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a summer construction zone accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Let Lindner Law, LLC guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
