The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) recognizes the problem of Maryland work zone auto accidents and, in addition to its Work Zone Safety and Mobility safety program, has implemented its Safe Zones program. This automated speed enforcement program uses traffic cameras in work zones to cite motorists travelling at unsafe speeds. Work zones change the speed and direction of traffic and so it is important that motorists drive accordingly. Many motorists don’t, however, and endanger the safety of state employees, other motorists, and themselves.
The installed Maryland work zone cameras photograph drivers that are travelling at least 12 mph over the posted speed limit. Since the implementation of these cameras 17 months ago, they have amassed a total of 497,447 citations throughout the state. Each citation requires a fine of $40. The automatic issuing of citations is hoped to motivate drivers to decrease their speed in work zones, and thus prevent a Maryland work zone accident.
According to the SHA, an average of 584 fatal work zone accidents and 39,786 injury work zone accidents occur every year, causing an average of 636 fatalities and 63,253 injuries yearly. Many of these are rear-end auto accidents. The installation of speed enforcement cameras is expected to decrease these numbers in the years to come.
Even with decreased occurrences, Maryland work zone crashes are still a problem. When drivers do not follow the posted speed limit they endanger themselves and any motorists or pedestrians around them. If such a driver should cause an injury auto accident, they may be held liable for victims’ financial and/or emotional losses.
The knowledgeable Baltimore car crash lawyer, Steven Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” helps injured victims of Maryland auto accidents recover fair compensation from negligent parties. Call today for a free confidential consultation about your potential injury claim at 877-862-6288.
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