Two injured in construction zone accident
Ignoring a “Road Closed to Thru Traffic” sign, the driver of a Hyundai Elantra collided with a parked water tanker truck in a construction zone on US 45 near 52nd Road in Racine County Wednesday night. According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, around 9 PM Wednesday, the driver went around the barricades and signs that are marked “Road Closed to Thru Traffic” and “Open to Local Traffic Only” and rear ended the unoccupied construction vehicle.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver suffered a broken leg and was taken to Wheaton Franciscan Hospital in Racine. A passenger in the car was treated at the scene for minor injuries and was released. The driver was issued a citation for failure to obey a sign.
The Racine County Sheriff’s Office reminds all motorists to obey all traffic signs, especially road closed signs. “Road Closed to Thru Traffic” means that motorists are not allowed to enter and drive through a construction zone when they have no intention of going to a residence or business that is within the construction zone. “Open to Local Traffic Only” means that motorists are allowed to enter the construction zone if they intend on going to a residence or business that is within the construction zone. The Sheriff’s Office said the signs are there to protect motorists and construction workers. The Sheriff’s Office said motorists should keep in mind that road construction areas are hazardous with poor road conditions, poor lighting, and large pieces of construction equipment throughout.