Errors in road design and construction contribute daily to automobile and semi truck crashes. Several of the more common factors include barriers and guardrails, exit and entrance ramps, road markings and road surfaces, signage problems, roadway shoulder designs, traffic control mechanisms, visibility, and the flow of traffic patterns. The car accident potential is magnified in construction areas when the roadway is not fully completed. Let us consider each separately.
Guard rails and barriers such as those that separate the flow of traffic in opposite directions are safety devices whose inadequate design or implementation leaves drivers vulnerable to accidents. In addition, exit and entrance ramps that cause traffic back-ups or an inability to enter and leave the highway safely without endangering drivers around you can also be traced to poor road design.
Road markings such as ‘do not cross’ yellow lines or highway reflectors play an integral role in keeping drivers safe. These must receive regular maintenance to ensure driver safety – a cost that should be built into state and federal budgets. In addition, poorly maintained road surfaces are a recipe for driver disaster. Rumble strips and grooves in the highway surface indicate to the driver that there may be hazards ahead and to slow down. An absence of these two important safety features can lead to accidents.
Traffic control devices including traffic lights, appropriate signage (yield, slow down, etc.), pedestrian crosswalks and more are also meant to keep drivers, passengers and walkers safe.
Visibility is an important factor in road design. Engineers must study weather patterns in an area to determine its impact on road design, although over time these factors change. Fog, flooding and other weather conditions all play a part in safe road design.
Finally, although not impossible, road defect litigation is very difficult for a variety of factors. The best one can do is to be aware of the surrounding road conditions when driving.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston personal injury attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner Law Firm, which is dedicated to helping victims of car accidents seek civil justice. If you would like to speak to a Houston Car Accident attorney call the Baumgartner Law Firm.
