One person died and two more suffered serious injuries in a construction accident on Florida’s Turnpike Monday, June 18.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred in the southbound lanes close to mile marker No. 250 at approximately 9:50 p.m. that evening. A construction vehicle with a hydraulic lift bucket that was working on the road drove directly into the path of a Ford Edge being driven by a 62-year-old woman, whose car then hit the construction equipment, rotated and hit a concrete barrier.
The woman died from her injuries at the scene of the accident. Her 62-year-old female passenger was transported by paramedics to Osceola County Regional Medical Center, where she was treated for serious injuries. Troopers reported the worker in the construction vehicle, a 41-year-old man, was ejected from the vehicle upon impact and was also taken to Osceola County Regional Medical Center for treatment, where he was listed as being in critical condition.
Authorities continued to investigate the crash.
Extra caution required in construction zones
Road construction zones can be hazardous for both drivers and workers alike. Many workers are outside walking around with little coverage other than cones and a few easily movable barriers. Other times, there will be construction vehicles and equipment moving in and out of the area with great frequency, elevating the chances of a collision, especially when traffic is busy.
Most construction zones have plenty of warning signs, including signs noting fines are elevated for speeding and other traffic offenses inside traffic zones. Still, all drivers must exercise great caution even when driving at slower speeds and while obeying the rules of the road in these zones to ensure the safety of both workers and themselves.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, consult a knowledgeable Sarasota personal injury attorney with Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.