Earlier this month, the Tennessee Department of Transportation remembered workers killed in the line of duty in construction zone accidents.
According to WBBJ-TV, the remembrance occurred as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which ran from April 7-11. In Jackson, TDOT setup orange construction cones along Interstate 40 in remembrance of the 109 TDOT workers killed in the line of duty since 1948.
TDOT Commissioner John Schroer told the station that Tennessee has had more workers killed in construction zones than any other state, and more workers killed in the line of duty than the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
One man, Scott Jones, a Crockett County TDOT employee, was killed last year in the line of duty. His daughter took part in the TDOT remembrance. TDOT confirmed that 14 people died in work zone crashes in 2013, with 11 of those being drivers or vehicle passengers, according to WBBJ.
“When you enter a work zone, you definitely need to pay attention,” Lt. Brad Wilbanks of the THP told WBBJ.
I HAVE BEEN INJURED WHILE ON THE JOB IN NASHVILLE. DO I HAVE A CASE?
If you are driving on the roadway and you come across a construction site, you should be aware of any changes to driving routes and obey every posted sign and instruction. Being inattentive could cost a worker his or her life.
Work zone accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or wrongful death. Each year, thousands of workers across the country are injured in these types of accidents. In Tennessee, reckless driving habits in work zones can result in substantial penalties and fines.
If you are injured or you have lost a loved one in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Tennessee law firm to schedule a free initial consultation by calling (615) 866-3938.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” – 1 John 4:7