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HomeBlogAuto AccidentsWhat You Need to Know about Highway Work Zones in Illinois
17 August, 2023

What You Need to Know about Highway Work Zones in Illinois

You no doubt know exactly how inconvenient work zones can be, but you may not realize how much danger they pose – especially when they are not managed well or when other motorists fail to observe all the necessary safety precautions. When you have a better understanding of work zones, it can help you navigate them more safely. And if you are injured in a work zone accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you need the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Illinois car accident attorney in your corner. 

Work Zone Accidents

Because work zone accidents occur on contained segments of the road – leaving little leeway for safety corrections – they tend to be exceptionally serious. They also put road workers – who do not have a car’s protective shell to buffer them from the impact of an accident – at increased risk. This is why there are important work zone laws on the books. 

Scott’s Law

Scott’s Law, which is also called the Move Over Law, was named for firefighter Scott Gillen who, while assisting at a car crash, was struck and killed by a drunk driver. This law requires all drivers to adhere to the following rules whenever approaching a stationary vehicle that has oscillating warning lights – whether it’s an official or commercial vehicle:

  • Reduce your driving speed.
  • If it’s possible to do so safely, change lanes.
  • Proceed with all necessary caution.

Penalties associated with Scott’s Law were recently raised, and a first offense comes with a $250 fine, while a second offense can lead to fines as high as $10,000. 

Laws against Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is dangerous, and it is even more so in construction zones. In Illinois, motorists can only use their phones in a hands-free capacity, and texting or doing anything else online is similarly illegal. Other actions like eating and drinking, grooming, having a conversation with someone else in the car, and digging around to find something can all be forms of dangerous distraction that make work zone accidents more likely. 

Speeding 

Speeding is always a serious concern on Illinois roadways, and the associated danger increases significantly in work zones. The fines associated with exceeding the speed limit in road construction, which generally requires reduced speeds, are significantly higher than they are elsewhere.

Hitting a Construction Worker

If a motorist’s negligence causes a construction worker to be harmed in Illinois, the at-fault driver can face a maximum fine of $25,000, and the penalties can include jail time. 

An Experienced Illinois Car Accident Attorney Can Help

The practiced car accident attorneys at The Horwitz Law Group – proudly serving Chicago – dedicate their imposing practice to helping car accident victims recover fully for their physical, financial, and emotional losses – in pursuit of their renewed health and well-being. To learn more about what we can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a free initial consultation by contacting us today.

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