Truck Accidents IndianaIndiana Truck Accidents Take Lives Every Year

Trucking has been an essential industry in the United States for decades and is an integral part of American commerce. However, these big rigs are also quite dangerous, weighing more than 40 tons and traveling at speeds comparable to most cars. Unfortunately, accidents involving large semis occur all too frequently and often with devastating consequences.

More than 500,000 trucking related accidents occur in the United States each year, according to annual statistics published by the Department of Transportation. These accidents lead to more than 5,000 fatalities.

Trucking accidents are costly to both trucking companies and their insurance companies. Most large companies work quickly to try and resolve issues at the scene of an accident. For that reason, private motorists need an experienced lawyer to represent them, one familiar with the nature of trucking accidents and personal injury law.

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Highway Work Zone Awareness Week is April 4 through 8

 SOURCE: http://www.in.gov/indot/2310.htm

INDIANAPOLIS - With over $1.5 billion in new Indiana highway projects beginning work, 2011 is shaping up to be Indiana's largest road construction season on record, surpassing previous years.  The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is joining with traffic safety personnel nationwide as part of Work Zone Safety Awareness Week this April 4 through 8 to stress "Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone."  

On average four out of every five people killed in highway work zones are drivers or passengers, not highway workers.  According to the ARIES electronic crash records system, 12 people were killed and 602 people were injured in work zone crashes during 2010. 

Steeper fines and penalties await drivers who speed or drive recklessly through a work zone.  Under Indiana law, drivers can be fined up to $1,000 for speeding in a work zone.  Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through a work zone could face fines up to $5,000.  Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may find themselves paying a $10,000 fine or serving up to eight years behind bars.  Fines paid are used to fund additional work zone patrols.

To avoid becoming a statistic, INDOT urges drivers to follow the safety tips listed below while driving through work zones.  Additional information can be found at INDOT's work zone safety Web site, http://www.workzonesafety.in.gov/.

·         Stay alert!  Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.

·         Pay attention.  Work zone signs will tell you exactly what to expect ahead.

·         Merge early.  If drivers merge as soon as they see the signs, traffic will flow more smoothly.

·         Slow down.  If you're speeding, you may encounter slowed or stopped traffic within seconds.

·         Don't tailgate.  Maintain a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle.

·         Minimize distractions.  The three C's - cell phones, CDs and coffee - are the primary causes of driver inattention.

·         Plan ahead.  Expect delays and allow extra travel time.  Select an alternate route if you are running late.