Texas Accident & Injury News
Traffic barrels are a common construction zone hazard.
Motorcyclist in Critical Condition After Striking Traffic Barrels Along I-35
A motorcyclist was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Friday afternoon after a crash on Interstate 35, according to a report from News4SanAntonio.¹
Police reported the crash happened around 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, on I-35 near Weidner Road on San Antonio’s Northeast Side. Authorities said the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving through multiple lanes of traffic when he struck two impact attenuator sand barrels in a construction area.
The rider was ejected from the motorcycle and transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
In 2024, 585 motorcyclists were killed in crashes across Texas, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²
Construction Hazards San Antonio Motorcyclists Should Watch Out For
Motorcyclists face greater risks on the road than drivers in enclosed vehicles, and construction zones can significantly increase those risks. Narrow lanes, temporary barriers, uneven pavement, and changing traffic patterns leave very little room for error—especially on busy highways like I-35.
With ongoing construction projects across San Antonio, understanding common work-zone hazards can help riders make safer decisions.
Traffic Barrels and Impact Attenuators
Traffic barrels and impact attenuators—often filled with sand or water—are designed to absorb crash energy and protect vehicle occupants. While they can reduce injuries for drivers in cars, they pose a much greater danger to motorcyclists.
For riders, striking these barriers can result in:
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Sudden loss of balance or control
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Ejection from the motorcycle
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Severe head, spinal, or internal injuries
Giving construction barriers extra space and reducing speed near them is critical for rider safety.
Uneven Pavement and Sudden Road Transitions
Construction zones frequently involve milled pavement, raised edges, or abrupt changes in road surface. These conditions can destabilize a motorcycle, particularly during braking or lane changes.
Common hazards include loose gravel, uneven asphalt, and sudden lane shifts. Slowing down and avoiding aggressive maneuvers can help riders maintain control.
Narrow Lanes and Limited Escape Routes
Construction often reduces lane width and removes shoulders, leaving motorcyclists with fewer options if something goes wrong. In heavy or stop-and-go traffic, this lack of space can be especially dangerous.
Maintaining a safe following distance and staying visible to other drivers becomes even more important in these areas.
Visibility Issues and Temporary Signage
Work zones often rely on temporary signs, cones, and barriers that may be placed differently than permanent signage. Glare, shadows, or congestion can make changes harder to spot in time.
Motorcyclists should scan well ahead, watch for sudden lane closures, and avoid riding in blind spots near construction equipment or large vehicles.
Speed and Riding Behavior Matter More in Work Zones
Construction zones leave little margin for error. Speeding, weaving between lanes, or making sudden movements greatly increases the risk of losing control—especially around fixed objects like barrels and barriers.
Even experienced riders benefit from slowing down and riding defensively in active work zones.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in a Construction Zone
If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash involving a construction area, your health should come first. Serious injuries may not always be immediately obvious.
It’s important to seek emergency medical care, report the crash to authorities, document the scene if possible, and keep medical and repair records. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before understanding your rights.
When Legal Help May Be Needed
Not every motorcycle crash is caused by rider error alone. In some situations, poorly placed barriers, missing warnings, confusing signage, or unsafe road design may contribute to an accident.
Determining whether negligence played a role requires a careful review of the facts.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in San Antonio? Call Shaw.
A serious motorcycle crash can leave riders facing painful injuries, long recoveries, and mounting medical bills. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
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Medical bills and ongoing treatment
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Pain, suffering, and permanent injuries
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Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
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Future medical care and rehabilitation
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.