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Safety First: The Risks of Driving on Closed Roads

10/24/24

Convenience seldom takes precedence over safety in the fast-paced world of today. The dangers faced by drivers on closed roads are commonly dismissed, whether it may involve cutting through a closed road to gain time or ignoring a detour to accelerate their journey. Many situations cause the closure of these roads, like public events or heavy rains; ignoring these prohibitions can result in serious dangers. 

At SG Injury Law, we want to address the dangers of driving on restricted roads and stress the significance of following traffic laws.

Several reasons, all of which derive from security concerns for the public, are frequently used to justify street closures. Under different circumstances, these closures could be quick—lasting a few hours or days—or extended—taking months. Comprehending the rationale behind road closures can clarify the importance of respecting these obstacles:

Construction Projects

One of the most frequent causes of road closures is construction. This may have to do with updating utilities, fixing roads that are already in place, or developing new infrastructure. There are a lot of personnel, dangerous materials, and heavy machinery in construction zones. In these kinds of situations, driving on a restricted road puts both the driver and the construction workers in danger.

Weather-Related Hazards

Impassable roads may result from weather phenomena including landslides, floods, and snowstorms. During these conditions, authorities close roads to eliminate the chance of accidents linked to slick surfaces, low visibility, or actual damage to the road. These conditions put drivers at risk and make emergency rescue more complicated.

Public Events 

Cities often experience road closures throughout parades, marathons, or celebrations that bring the public together. Drawing large crowds, these events make it unavoidable to shut down several roadways for everyone’s safety. Operating on a road closed for a festival may be hazardous owing to the important risks posed to both motorists and those on foot.

Emergency Circumstances 

Roads are frequently closed during natural disasters or catastrophes such as fires and chemical spills to facilitate the safe and prompt passage of emergency vehicles. Disregarding these bans might cause delays in emergency response times and endanger human life.

Bridge or Structural Damage 

Road closures can occur when a bridge or tunnel sustains damage. The purpose of these closures is to protect people from harm while the structure is inspected or fixed. Roads with structural problems can cause deadly collisions when driven on.

The Legal Ramifications of Ignoring Road Closures

Using restricted highways may result in penalties for traffic law violations and risk of injury. Ignoring road closures can produce heavy fines, points added to your driving record, and, in the worst cases, criminal charges, depending on where you are. Those who choose to disregard these rules could place themselves at risk and may also expose themselves to potential legal repercussions that might alter their motor vehicle insurance rates.

  • Monetary Penalties: The goal of road closures is to reduce collisions and guarantee everyone’s safety while driving. If you ignore a road-closed sign, which forbids vehicles from entering the highway or a certain section of it, you risk being penalized. There might be hefty fines associated with ignoring traffic signs. In Ontario, the standard fine for operating a vehicle on a closed road is $110. 
  • Demerit Points: The purpose of demerit points is to hold drivers responsible for their choices when driving. If a driver is new to driving or has a full license, the restrictions could be different. In Canada, breaking some driving laws carries points towards your total number of demerit points. You receive different levels of demerit points according to what offense you commit. Higher-ranked offenses cause more demerit points. 
  • Accountability for Accidents: Road hazards may result in car accidents for which multiple parties are held accountable, including towns, government agencies, and careless drivers. Having an expert auto injury lawyer on your side can be crucial in these situations as they can look into the road danger and establish who is responsible for the collision. Disregarding road closure signs can also impact culpability for accidents, just like any other traffic infraction. A conviction for operating a vehicle on a closed road may also have an impact on your insurance coverage. If you were operating a vehicle on a closed roadway, your insurance company might occasionally refuse to pay for your losses due to property damage or personal injury. 

Conclusion

The purpose of road closures is to prevent accidents, injuries, and legal issues. Disregarding them can have dire repercussions.

It is possible to pursue compensation for injuries sustained from a road hazard from a number of sources, including government organizations and careless drivers. Establishing culpability and getting compensated if you were hurt while operating a vehicle on a restricted road could be difficult. Ignoring the road closure sign could even result in you being partially accountable. 

In these situations, a personal injury lawyer’s expertise and experience will be quite helpful. You may get the legal help you need from the team of experienced lawyers at SG Injury Law. Reach out to us today to talk more about your choices and circumstances.