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Lower speed limit can reduce highway construction accidents

Posted on October 8, 2014 in Workers' Compensation

 

In Los Angeles County, California, and elsewhere throughout the country, it is the duty of employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees. In workplaces such as factories, employers create safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents. How employers address safety issues depend on the working environment. High-risk industries, such as construction, require thorough analysis to determine what causes workplace accidents in that particular type of industry. Once employers have determined the cause, they can find the solution to curb those accidents.

The California Highway Patrol, in cooperation with Caltrans, implemented a new speed limit to curb construction accidents on highways in Los Angeles, County – from 65 to 55 mph. The newly implemented speed limit is effective on construction areas between the 101 and 23 interchange. Between March and April, 63 traffic collisions occurred on highways that were under construction. Since the implementation of the lowered speed limit, traffic accidents were significantly reduced. Last July, there were 36 accidents and 34 accidents in August.

By examining the figures shown in the report, the act of reducing the speed limit was quite effective. Drivers who are following the allowed speed limit can easily recognize roads that are under construction and prevent accidents. But, in the event of a highway construction accident, the injured worker may be entitled to workers compensation. Almost all workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that can be used for medical expenses, such as surgery, therapy and rehabilitation. The benefits can also cover lost wages and other incurred losses.

However, claiming workers’ compensation benefits can be challenging. The intricacies and complexities involved in obtaining such benefits can add to the financial dilemma of the injured party. Getting the right information is crucial.

Source: Theacorn.com, “Highway Patrol watches for speeding near 101/23 construction,” Anna Bitong, Sept. 25, 2014