ODOT vehicles struck for 94th and 95th times in the past two days
MAGNOLIA – When a vehicle stuck an ODOT truck in a closed work zone in Tuscarawas County Monday, it marked the 94th time ODOT crews and equipment have been struck this year.
That number didn’t even stand for 24 hours before an ODOT vehicle was hit for the 95th time in the Columbus area Tuesday morning. Nobody was hurt in either incident.
ODOT district spokesperson Lauren Borell says it’s maddening that they are on pace to have over 100 such accidents this year after having 85 in 2024.
“It can all be prevented by people paying attention and putting their distractions down and watching for roads and watching for signs,” she said. “We have an important job as drivers to pay attention, not only for your own safety, but especially for our crews out there working.”
Borell says yesterday’s incident happened on state Route 183 in Magnolia as the road was closed for tree-trimming. She says a vehicle entered the construction zone and struck a truck in the rear. No workers were injured.
Borell says most of the incidents have one thing in common – distracted driving.
“It’s extremely frustrating,” she said. “Our crews are out there performing their jobs.. they all have families, they have loved ones waiting for them to get home at the end of the day, and this is so frustrating that this continues to happen.”
This week, ODOT is working on a concrete project at the McCaulley Drive and U.S. 250 intersection, and on bridge repairs at the 250 overpass at I-77 in New Philadelphia. There are lane and turn restrictions at both locations, so ODOT is asking drivers to be patient and pay attention.
While the two most recent crashes didn’t result in injuries, a state highway patrol officer was killed on October 16th as he assisted a disabled semi-truck in Canfield. Reports say Trooper Nicholas Cayton was sitting in his cruiser with his emergency overhead lights on when a Mack truck crashed into the back of his cruiser.
“The move over law … is for EMS, Police, Fire, tow trucks, ODOT workers, any service vehicles that are on the side of the road, or somebody that’s stopped on the side of the road that has a flat tire or broke down,” Borell said. “It’s just imperative that you’re watching for those flashing lights, and if you can, move over. Slow down and give them room when they’re out there working. We want everybody to get home safely, especially these folks that are out there working alongside the roads.”