Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 6 to 10 and will include multiple public awareness efforts by Illinois Work Zone Safety Partners and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
In 2008, fatal Illinois road construction accidents claimed 31 lives and injured 1,985 people. A total of 7,813 traffic accidents were reported in Illinois construction zones. Last month, our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog reported about a fatal construction zone accident that occurred recently in northwest Indiana, about 30 minutes south of Chicago.Scott’s Law, named for a firefighter who was killed after being struck by a vehicle while responding to an accident on a Chicago expressway, requires vehicles to slow down and change lanes, whenever possible, for emergency, construction and maintenance vehicles displaying oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.
A violation of Scott’s Law carries a mandatory court appearance, a fine of up to $10,000, driver’s license suspension and, in cases of an accident causing property damage, injury or death, a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Illinois work zone traffic facts:
-Construction workers do not have to be present to receive a speeding ticket in a work zone.
-State law lowers speeds in construction zones from 65 mph to 55 mph or from 55 mph to 45 mph. Lower speed limits may be posted.
-Increased fines for speeding in work zones are set at a minimum of $375 for a first offense and a minimum of $1,000 for a second offense.
-Court appearance is mandatory for a work-zone speeding violation.
-A motorist who causes a fatal work zone accident may be charged with reckless homicide, which can carry a penalty of 3 to 14 years in prison.
-Photo enforcement may be used to increase work zone safety.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the Chicago car accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.