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There are many factors that can contribute to car accidents: intoxicated drivers, aggressive driving, drowsy or distracted drivers, heavy rains, excessive speed, and much more. One sometimes overlooked factor that can contribute to crashes and serious injuries is roadway design. While poor road design is a less common reason that accidents happen, it can be a factor and should always be considered if you are involved in an auto crash.

When Virginia roads and highways are designed, many factors are taken into consideration. There are state and federal construction guidelines, engineering best practices, and civil engineers, law enforcement professionals, and local government officials all weigh in on what needs to be taken into consideration. But, despite all of this effort, mistakes can be made. Below are some road design issues that can contribute to traffic accidents.

· Is the road surface and amount of friction appropriate for the environment, amount of traffic and speed of travel, and location of the road?

· Are the road markings appropriate and in the right place?

· Are road hazards like intersections, pedestrian crossings, and sharp turns and bends clearly marked?

· Are traffic control devices like signal lights, stop signs, speed limit signs, and yield signs located appropriately and in good working order?

· Are barriers and other behavior control devices like guard rails, speed bumps, crash barrels, high curbs, medians and concrete barriers being used appropriately?

· Was traffic flow and volume properly accounted for when the road was designed? Does the original design still meet the needs of the road today?

· Are directional and identification signs clear and easy to read? Are they properly illuminated? Do they give adequate notice about upcoming intersections, turn offs, exits, hazards, and other important items?

· Was inclement weather accounted for in the road design? Is the road still safe to travel when wet, icy, or covered in snow?

· Is the banking and camber of the road (angle at which the road is raised to help vehicles navigate a turn) correct for the type of road?

· Are entry and exit ramps designed properly to allow motorists enough room to safely enter or leave a highway or road?

· Is the roadway shoulder designed properly? Does it provide a safe place for motorists to pull over in the event of mechanical failure?

· Is the traffic speed and density a match for the traffic flow pattern?

· Is there enough visibility for drivers to navigate safely? Are hazards readily apparent to drivers?

If you are involved in a serious car accident, you may be unsure of how it happened or what you can do to be fairly compensated for your injures and suffering. To learn how an attorney can help in your auto accident case, please contact the office of Weisberg & Zaleski.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.

112 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235

Phone: (757) 622-7740

Fax: (757) 533-9223

Ask an Attorney
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Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
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Can roadway design contribute to serious car accidents?

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