Our Pearland personal injury attorneys note that in Texas, traffic fines have always been doubled in work zones. But those fines haven’t been enough to deter drivers who speed by in the lanes next to workmen trying to maintain the roads. So as of September 1st, Texas has a new law, with fines that BEGIN at $200 to help enforce respect for TxDOT workers as they build and maintain our roads.
The new addition to the “Move Over/Slow Down” laws expands the requirement for drivers to yield to fire, police, and emergency vehicles to require them to yield to TxDOT workers as well. Take note: beginning in September, drivers must slow down or move over as they approach TxDOT workers and vehicles with their amber or blue overhead lights flashing. Or face a hefty fine.
The Pearland personal injury attorneys at Denena Points, PC mention that under the new law, you’ll need to move out of the lane closest to the TxDOT vehicle when it’s possible to do so. Or you must reduce your speed to 20 mph LESS than the posted speed limit. If the posted speed limit is 25 mph or less, you must reduce your speed to 5 mph.
The new law is a response to the high number of work zone accidents in Texas. In 2010, 100 people died in Texas work zone accidents. In Houston alone in 2010, there were 3,000 work zone accidents and more than 20 people died in them.
Texas boasts around 80,000 miles of highway. And TxDOT says that at any given time in Texas, there are about 1,000 active work zones. There’s not a whole lot of margin for error when a driver’s operating a fast-moving, powerful vehicle next to people in a work zone. One moment of distraction or inattention, or an error in judgment, could result in a fatal accident.
Our Pearland personal injury attorneys remind you, drive safely, and remain aware of the new law that takes effect on September 1st. Your failure to obey that law could cost you $200 or more.Click the link to read about the risks of being on the shoulder of the roadway near fast-moving vehicles.