PennDOT’s Workers’ Memorial on Display

GREENE TOWNSHIP – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Highway Safety Network and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) met Tuesday at the Clinton County Rest Area on Interstate 80 eastbound in Greene Township to highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week.

The week, which runs through April 13, strongly urges motorists to remain cautious and drive the posted speed limits through work zones. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Work Zone Safety: Everybody’s Responsibility”.

Speakers at the event included PSP Lt. Eric McKean who told the assemblage: “The Pennsylvania State Police is committed to doing our part to ensure the safety of the workers who repair and maintain our roadways and bridges. To that end, we ask the motoring public to be extra aware in work zones and remind the motoring public of the requirements and enhanced penalties of traffic violations in work areas. Our troopers monitor work zones and take a zero tolerance to violations occurring in work zones.”

According to statewide Aggressive Driving Coordinator Bob Schaeffer, work zone violations are a focus of the Aggressive-Driving Enforcement Wave that began on March 19 and runs until April 29, 2018. Speeding and keeping right – passing left are also focuses of the current wave.

The PennDOT Workers’ Memorial, which honors the 88 employees who have been killed in the line of duty since 1970, was on display at the event. The memorial, with its reflective vests and hardhats mounted on stands, was created by Bradford County maintenance workers following the death of co-worker Leah Rumsey, who was hit by a car while flagging in a work zone.

Sadly, one stand was added in February 2018 after PennDOT District 9 employee Robert Gensimore was struck and killed by a motorist on I-99 in Blair County while he was setting up flares to warn motorists of a separate crash. Gensimore, a captain at his local volunteer fire company, leaves behind a wife and two children.

Preliminary PennDOT data shows there were 1,789 crashes across the state in work zones that resulted in 19 fatalities and 1,114 injuries last year.
PennDOT urges motorists to follow these tips when encountering work zones:
• Drive the posted work zone speed limit;
• Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers;
• Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so;
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and do not tailgate;
• Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly;
• Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road;
• Always buckle up;
• Expect the unexpected;
• Be patient.