How to Stay Safe While Working on a Roadside Construction Zone in Illinois

On May 27th, 2026, WCIA reported that a construction worker had lost his life in an accident on I-74. The 65-year-old worker was working on the roadway when he was struck by a pickup truck towing a trailer. Few additional details emerged, and this accident highlights how dangerous roadside construction can be. If you were injured in a similar accident, you might wonder about how to stay safe in the future. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Illinois can help you and your family pursue compensation.

Face Oncoming Traffic

All too often, roadside workers are injured when their backs are turned to oncoming traffic. It is not a “mistake” to face away from traffic, and if someone hits you, it’s their fault. However, you may be able to limit the chances of a serious accident by facing oncoming traffic as much as possible. Sometimes, simply adjusting your body 180 degrees gives you a much better chance of spotting and avoiding danger.

Wear High-Visibility Gear

Roadside workers should always wear high-visibility gear. If you do not have a high-visibility vest, your supervisor should provide one for you. This type of safety equipment can be especially important if you’re working at night, and it may help drivers avoid striking you. If your employer failed to provide you with high-visibility gear, they may have violated a serious safety rule. As a result, you may be able to consider the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.

Ask Your Employer to Properly Set Up Cones and Warning Signs

Ideally, you should have a secure barrier between you and traffic. Ask your employer if they can place a sturdy concrete barrier between your work zone and the passing traffic. This simple step can save lives, especially if the construction project will take an extended period of time to complete.

At the very least, cones and warning signs should separate you from the flow of traffic. These cones should be brightly colored and positioned in such a way that they keep traffic a safe distance from you. Your employer should also place warning signs before the construction zone to warn approaching drivers to slow down and move over.

Be Aware of Construction Vehicles Inside the Work Zone

As a construction worker, it is all too easy to focus on ordinary motorists passing by. In doing so, you might miss the threat of other vehicles inside the construction zone. These may include steamrollers, semi-trucks, pickup trucks, excavators, and many others. Designated walking areas help keep work vehicles separate from workers on foot.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Illinois Help Me?

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Illinois may be able to help you pursue the compensation you need after a roadside construction accident. Although it may be too late to learn new safety tips, your family should be able to access financial support as you recover. Contact Connolly Injury Law today at 312-584-9722 for more information.

Sources: 

wcia.com/news/champaign-county/construction-worker-killed-in-champaign-i-74-crash-overnight/

fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/work-zones-safety-tips