NORTH HAVEN, CT
A state Department of Transportation worker sustained serious injuries when he was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning on Route 15 in North Haven.
While he is alive, DOT spokesman Kevin Nursick described the accident as “nearly a tragedy” and the DOT worker as at one point “one breath away from death.”
The DOT maintenance worker was setting up to do tree work, when the vehicle hit the employee and came to a stop in the work zone, Nursick said.
The accident happened on Route 15 south between exits 63 and 64, the North Haven Fire Department said on Twitter. The roadway was temporarily closed at exit 63 southbound, but all lanes were opened a few hours later.
Emergency personnel were on the scene. They advised motorists to avoid the area and expect delays.
“This is a classic case of motorists failing to uphold public safety when it comes to work zone signage,” Nursick said.
Nursick said motorists need to be aware, cautious and alert in a work zone, reminding drivers to slow down and pay attention.
First responders across the country plan to use Twitter Friday to raise awareness of “Move Over” laws as the summer travel season begins.
Connecticut’s “Move Over” law states that any motor vehicle operator driving on a highway should reduce their speed and move over one lane when approaching stationary emergency or disabled vehicles.
The state police will conduct a tweet-along, virtual ride-along, with Troop H Hartford from 3 to 11 p.m. to raise awareness of the “Move Over” law. They will be sharing patrol activities and “Move Over” pictures, messages and video.
The accident remains under investigation.