Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on November 9, 2015
Crash in Williamson County Kills 1, Injures TDOT Worker
A car accident on State Route 840 in Williamson County on Monday led to one person’s death and a worker with the Tennessee Department of Transportation suffering injuries.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. Monday morning near mile marker 27 and the exit for Columbia Pike. The TDOT worker was outside of his vehicle picking up trash when he was struck by a passing vehicle. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for his injuries, according to officials with TDOT.
The accident caused the eastbound lanes of traffic to close for several hours as police and emergency responders worked to clear the scene and investigate what caused the accident to occur.
A passenger in the vehicle that struck the TDOT worker was killed a result of the accident, but police have not released his or her identity at this time.
Traffic has since reopened for commuters on all lanes of SR 840.
Safety Tips for Driving Near TDOT and Road Crew Workers
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has employees regularly patrolling the highways and interstates throughout the state who are dedicated to assisting stranded and distressed motorists, clean up roadway debris, and help out after accidents occur. These workers, as well as the construction crew workers who repair roads and bridges, provide a valuable service to all drivers in the state, but they also put their lives at risk every time they work near oncoming traffic.
To do your part in helping to keep these workers safe, do your best to follow these tips:
Speeding tickets are substantially increased in construction zones for a reason—the workers are highly vulnerable to being struck and killed by passing motorists—especially those who are speeding. Always drive at a safe speed limit and stay at or below the recommended speed limit when driving through these areas.
If you see a stopped TDOT vehicle in the roadway ahead, always move over to the adjacent lane if it’s safe to do so. Tennessee’s Move Over Law applies to all stopped emergency vehicles—not just police cars—as TDOT workers are also at risk every time they get out of their vehicles on the road of the highway or interstate.
Construction zones and areas where TDOT employees are working aren’t always obvious—especially during times of poor visibility. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for highway and interstate message boards and temporary signs that may be posted alerting you and other drivers about the presence of road work or emergency situations up ahead. Always follow posted instructions and reduce your speed when approaching the affected areas.
Distracted driving is always a dangerous behavior, but it’s even more dangerous when driving near people who work near oncoming traffic. All it takes is a brief moment of distraction to lose control of your vehicle and drift over into the paths of workers. Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road ahead at all times when passing through these areas and avoid talking on the phone or changing the radio station.
It takes a lot of work to keep Tennessee’s roadways in great condition and safe for all drivers. Workers who assist stranded or injured motorists and repair bridges and broken pavement have some of the most dangerous jobs in the country, and that’s why it’s so important for drivers to recognize the risks they face by always slowing down in their presence and staying as alert and cautious as possible.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car or pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Get in touch with our legal team today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form. The Franklin car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law are ready to put our two decades of experience to work for your family.
