Improving Traffic Safety in Vallejo
Work in Vallejo is underway to improve traffic safety on Highway Interstate 80. As the gateway between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley, I-80 in Vallejo sees a lot of vehicle traffic and numerous accidents every month. Recent data from UC Berkeley shows that over 800 injury-causing accidents have happened on I-80 in Vallejo over the past 10 years. However, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) began construction on a highway improvement project on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, that aims to reduce the number of car accidents on the roadway.
The Project
The project is funded by a California State Senate Bill. The bill provided 3.4 million dollars for CalTrans to improve highway safety on I-80 by increasing the visibility of traffic lanes and striping. The project will replace the previous standard 4-inch-wide highway stripes with new, wider, and brighter markings. The project will also include the repainting of existing traffic lanes using a new type of paint that is more visible in rainy, dark conditions.
The first phase of work on this project will take place along the 18.6 mile stretch of highway between Air Base Parkway in Fairfield and Tennessee Street on the east side of Vallejo. Motorists should expect various night-time lane closures while work crews paint and re-stripe the road. California Highway Patrol (CHP) has stated that they will have officers assisting motorists with driving around construction zones.
Low Visibility
Conditions like low light and rainy weather can make it harder for drivers to see, which increases the chance that they will be involved in a motor vehicle accident. The Federal Highway Administration reports that nearly 40,000 accidents happen in the U.S. every year because of weather-related visibility problems. These accidents caused over 16,300 serious injuries and cost more than 600 people their lives annually.
To stay safe while driving in low-visibility conditions, drivers should:
- Be extra careful, as other drivers may make unpredictable actions
- Use fog lights and low beams, never high beams
- Drive more slowly and avoid sudden braking
- Get rid of distractions such as music or conversation
- Avoid passing and changing lanes
Roadway Defects
Some roads are more dangerous than others. When a roadway is obviously hazardous due to lack of proper signage, severe pavement damage, poor design, or other issues, the government may be liable to pay for damages caused by an accident. However, claims against the government can be complicated and aren’t the same as ordinary injury cases. Because of the California Tort Claims Act, those filing claims against a government entity need to meet special time limits and complete the correct procedures. A lawyer with experience handling government entity claims will be able to help you make sure your case is not lost in the paperwork.
More Articles from Ed Smith, Vallejo Personal Injury Lawyer
- Accidents Cause Injuries and Fatality in Vallejo
- What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
- Accident Kills Vallejo Pedestrian
Vallejo Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo personal injury lawyer. If a vehicle crash has left you or a person you care about with serious injuries, get in touch with me through (800) 404-5400, (707) 564-1900, or my site, AutoAccident.com, to receive friendly, free legal advice.
For 36 years, I’ve helped Vallejo residents with getting proper payments for their wrongful death and severe traumatic injury damages.
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Picture: “Carquinez Strait Bridges” by Payton Chung through CCA2G
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