SAN ANTONIO – Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver who injured a construction worker early Tuesday.
The worker was installing barrels at Loop 410 near Bandera Road when a car clipped him and took off, police said.
The victim was taken to University Hospital with a broken ankle and shoulder pain, police said.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the top two causes for construction zone crashes are speeding and driver inattention.
Derek Algueseva, foreman with SAECO Electric and Utility, said he and his crews have seen the dangers firsthand.
Algueseva said with all the cars passing his construction site at the Pearl, he and his crew take part in a safety meeting every morning to make sure they're keeping an eye out for each other.
"Just be able to stress, to make sure that one person looks out for another, that we each look out for each other," Algueseva said. "It's a big deal when it comes to traffic. We get people who come through here (who) don't see a stop sign, that don't comply with the speed limit."
Algueseva said hearing about the injured construction worker was a little alarming for him.
"It makes me really concerned and it makes me want to pay more attention to my guys and every part of our company," he said.
Algueseva said he and his crew notice too many drivers who don't pay attention.
"As far as cellphones, even though you're not supposed to do it, we see people on their cellphones texting or talking all the time," Algueseva said.
TxDOT's website shows that roadway work zones can also be dangerous for drivers because they have to maneuver through signs, barrels and lane changes.
To make for a safe ride around construction zones, drivers are urged to observe the following tips:
- Slow down and be aware of the speed limit
- Pay attention to posted signs, workers and heavy equipment
- Be patient
Sign up for email alerts today.
Get alerted to news events as they happen or sign up for a scheduled news headline email that is delivered right to your inbox.
All the day’s important news keeping you up to date wherever you are.
Click here to sign up today.
