One Killed in Hidalgo County Construction Zone Crash

A man died as the result of a crash in a construction zone near Edinburg on August 27.

This incident highlights how important it is that drivers take care when driving in or near construction zones. Learn more about the crash and how to stay safe near work zones from your McAllen car accident attorneys at the Villalobos Law Firm. 

The Construction Zone Crash

Authorities with the Texas Department of Transportation (DPS) report that a man was killed following a car accident in a construction zone on Saturday, August 27. The single-vehicle crash happened on Tower Road north of Curve Road near Edinburg.

According to DPS, a silver 2000 Nissan Sentra occupied by two men was traveling north on Tower Road prior to the crash. The driver of the vehicle reportedly disregarded signs showing the road was closed for construction and entered a construction zone. The actual accident occurred at around 8:59 p.m. when the Nissan drove into an “excavated” part of the road.

Both occupants of the vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital where the driver, a 52-year-old Edinburg resident, succumbed to his injuries. The passenger of the Nissan has since been released from the hospital.

An investigation into this crash remains ongoing.

The Dangers of Work Zone Accidents: By the Numbers

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), one person is killed in a work zone crash for every $112 million spent on roadway construction. On federal construction projects alone, the U.S. spends more than a billion dollars per year. For reference, the federal government maintains just 3% of the country’s roadways.

Still, work zone fatalities make up just a tiny portion of all car accident fatalities.

In 2022, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that there were a total of roughly 25,500 car accidents in work zones in Texas. Of those accidents, 183 resulted in at least one fatality. That means just under 1% of all construction zone accidents result in death, which is the same as the rate of fatal accidents seen across all types of Texas crashes.

How To Stay Safe Driving Near Work Zones

Just because construction zone crashes aren’t more dangerous than other crashes, that doesn’t mean they can’t still cause significant damage and danger. When you’re driving in and around construction zones, you should take extra precaution to keep yourself safe by following these safety tips:

• Wear your seatbelt
• Stay focused on the road
• Follow all signage
• Watch for unexpected obstacles like workers and equipment
• Follow posted speed limits
• Use patience
• Be courteous of other drivers
• Never drive under the influence

The next time you’re driving near a work zone, take time to remember these added precautions and always use care when driving on Texas roadways.

If you’ve been involved in a Texas construction zone crash, you can get help from an experienced McAllen car accident attorney.

FREE Case Review

Source: myRGV, ValleyCentral4, KRGV