Pennsylvania turnpike worker killed by tractor-trailer

A fatal accident had a portion of the Pennsylvania turnpike in Chester County closed yesterday morning. A 61-year-old turnpike equipment operator, who was part of a crew completing maintenance in a closed lane, was struck and killed when a tractor-trailer entered the lane. Another turnpike worker was also injured in the accident. The deadly accident occurred in West Pikeland Township, shortly after 8a.m. on the westbound lane of the PA turnpike.

According to the Unites States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Safety Administration, almost 30% of all work zone crashes involve large trucks. They report that the number of people killed in work zone crashes involving large trucks has also been increasing, with over 1,000 fatalities and 180,000 injuries occurring during the last five years.

Highway work zones are hazardous not only for both motorists who drive through the complex array of signs and lane changes, but also for those who are working on the roadways. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 130 road worker fatalities in 2012. The CDC reported that Texas had the most fatalities in work zone motor vehicle crashes in 2012, followed by California, Florida, and Pennsylvania. There were 609 fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes in work zones in the U.S. in 2012.

According to 2013 Pennsylvania Crash Fact & Statistics, there were 1,845 work zone crashes in Pennsylvania last year, resulting in 16 deaths and 1,262 injuries. 48% of work zone crashes in 2013 contained fatalities or injuries, and the majority of the work zone crashes occurred on state highways and the turnpike. Federal officials say that speeding is a factor in about 35% of fatal work zone crashes.

Federal Highway Administration provides the following save driving tips when driving through a construction zone:

• Stay alert and minimize distractions
• Keep your headlights on
• Pay attention to the road
• Don’t tailgate
• Change lanes safely & Merge into the proper lane
• Slow down & Obey the posted speed limit
• Follow instructions from flaggers
• Be patient

With the warmer weather in Pennsylvania, we are in peak roadway construction. Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer, Marion Munley, warns motorists to drive with extreme caution when entering and driving through work zones. If you have been injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer, and need someone to fight for you, visit www.munley.com.