MARCH 31,
2015
BATTLE MOUNTAIN,
NEVADA (AP)
A road worker was
struck by a commercial vehicle and killed Monday while repairing cracks in
Interstate 80.
Ronald Paul Raiche
Jr., 47, of Battle Mountain was working in a two-man crew on the right shoulder
of I-80 west of Battle Mountain when a commercial vehicle drifted onto the
shoulder, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Raiche was pronounced
dead at the scene.
The driver, Mario
Alfonso Calzada, 30, of Tijuana, Mexico, was booked into Lander County Jail on
suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, driving without due care and driving
without a valid commercial driver's license, according to NHP.
Neither alcohol nor
drugs appear to be factors in the accident.
"Every accident
is a tragedy," said NHP Trooper Jim Stewart. "... Our communities out
here in rural Nevada are so small that even if it's not an immediate family
member, it's someone we know: a co-worker, an associate. It does affect an
entire community."
Witnesses to the
accident are encouraged to call NHP at 775-753-1111 and ask for Sgt. Tamrah
Jackson or Trooper Zach Peterson.
NDOT released a
statement imploring drivers to use caution, especially in work zones.
"The tragic loss
of an NDOT employee illustrates how important it is for all motorists to drive
safely through road work zones," it states. "Today and every day, we
at NDOT send a strong message for all motorists to drive safely through road
work zones -- for their own safety and for the safety of all road workers
working to improve Nevada roads.
"Drivers should
always give their full attention to the road and follow all road work zone
signs and speed limits, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, traffic
barriers, construction equipment and road workers."
The NDOT memo sent
out condolences to Raiche's loved ones.
"Our thoughts
and sympathies first go to the family," it read. "We in the NDOT
family are also grieving this tragic loss."
Safe work zone driving tips
- Always buckle up and do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while sleepy.
- Minimize distractions, and remember that handheld cellphone use is illegal while driving.
- Always slow to posted work zone speed limits and slow for and obey construction signs and flaggers. Also always be cognizant of and give space to any road maintenance vehicles or employees working on the side of the road outside of road work zones.
- Don't tailgate. Keep a safe distance from cars ahead, traffic barriers, construction equipment and workers.
- Watch for and follow all warning, lane/ramp closure and construction detour signs, and be prepared to change lanes or merge as directed by road signs or flaggers.
- Continue to pay attention to work zone signs, even in areas of long-term road work.
- Remain calm. Remember that work zones are not there to inconvenience you -- they are necessary to improve the roadway and safely guide motorists through the area.
- Don't resume normal driving speed until you see roadway signs indicating it is safe to do so.
- Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.
- Always remember: it is better to arrive later at your current destination, than to arrive early at your final destination (or to send someone early to his final destination).
Source:
elkodaily.com