Bangerter Frazier Group - Attorneys
Table of Contents
-
Road Construction Is Increasing Across St. George
-
Why Construction Zones Are More Dangerous
-
What the Statistics Tell Us About Work Zone Accidents
-
Common Causes of Construction Zone Crashes
-
Safety Tips for Driving Through Work Zones
-
Understanding Liability After a Construction Zone Accident
-
What to Do If You're Injured in a Work Zone Crash
-
How Bangerter Frazier Group Can Help
-
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Stay Safe During Construction Season
Increased Accident Risks in Road Construction Zones: What St. George Drivers Need to Know
As planned improvements and road construction ramps up across Southern Utah, drivers in St. George should expect more than just delays, drivers should also be aware of the increased risks for accidents in construction zones.
With major upgrades planned for Bluff Street in Summer of 2026 from St. George Blvd to Main Street, driving safety in those areas will be more important than ever.
Major Construction Coming to Bluff Street
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has announced significant upcoming improvements in the St. George area, including:
- Reconstruction and resurfacing of Bluff Street (SR-18)
- New drainage systems and medians
- Traffic reconfigurations to reduce conflict points
- Long term construction is expected to last into 2028. UDOT downtown ST. George road construction information
While these improvements aim to enhance road safety long term, construction zones can create short term hazards that every driver should take seriously.
Why Construction Zones Are More Dangerous
Work zones fundamentally change normal road function. Narrower lanes, sudden stops, and shifts in traffic patterns all increase risk.
Here’s what the data shows:
- 898 people were killed and over 40,000 injured in work zone crashes in 2023. NSC DATA
- Nearly 96,000 crashes occur annually in construction zones. CDC DATA
- Fatalities have increased over the past decade, with more than 2 deaths per day on average. Workzonesafty dot org DATA
- Speeding and rear-end collisions are among the most common causes. Federal Highway Admin DATA
- The majority of those killed are drivers and passengers… not road construction workers NSC DATA
Common Causes of Work Zone Auto Accidents
Construction zones demand heightened awareness, yet many crashes are caused by avoidable behaviors:
- Distracted driving (phones, GPS, passengers)
- Speeding through reduced speed areas
- Sudden lane merges and confusion
- Following too closely (rear end collisions)
- Ignoring signage or flaggers
- When traffic patterns change daily, as they often do in active projects like the currently underway Bluff Street improvements, even familiar St. George roads can become unpredictable.
Local Impact: Why This Matters in St. George
With rapid population growth and increased traffic in Washington County, construction projects are becoming larger and more frequent.
UDOT itself emphasizes that drivers must “slow down and stay safe in work zones” as projects expand statewide. UDOT New and Ongoing construction
For us St. George residents, that means:
- Heavier congestion
- More lane closures and detours
- Increased interaction with construction crews and equipment
All of which raise the likelihood of serious accidents if drivers aren’t cautious.
What Happens If You’re Injured in a Car Accident, while in a Construction Zone?
Accidents in construction zones can be more complex than typical crashes.
Liability may involve:
- Another negligent driver
- Construction companies or contractors
- Government entities responsible for road design or signage
- Equipment operators or third parties
Determining fault requires thorough investigation and legal experience, especially when multiple parties are involved.
Injured in an Auto Accident in a Work Zone? Take Action
If you or a loved one has been injured in a road construction zone auto accident, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Bangerter Frazier Group, we help clients:
- Investigate accident causes
- Identify all responsible parties
- Handle insurance companies
- Pursue full compensation for injuries and damages
Don’t wait. Construction zone auto accident cases can involve time sensitive evidence.
Contact Bangerter Frazier Group today for a free consultation. Let our team of experienced and compassionate attorneys help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Final Thought: Slow Down Today, Stay Safe Tomorrow
Construction zones are temporary… but the consequences of a crash can last a lifetime.
As the Bluff Street and other St. George road construction projects move forward, remember to :
Slow Down. Keep Alert, Leave Room.