Shocking Moment NY Highway Worker Dodges Death as Truck Smashes DOT Vehicles
A shocking video has surfaced, capturing a terrifying moment when a New York highway worker narrowly avoided death.
The incident, which took place on Interstate 81 near Whitney Point, occurred on October 28 and involved a box truck crashing into two Department of Transportation (DOT) vehicles that were parked on the roadside.
The dramatic video, shared by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), shows a highway worker standing by the shoulder of the road.
Just seconds before disaster struck, the worker raised his hands and sprinted away as a 26-foot yellow Penske rental truck smashed into the flashing DOT vehicles.
The impact sent debris flying and caused the truck to veer off the road. As the worker ran for safety, his hard hat flew off, adding to the shocking scene.
This harrowing footage serves as a stark reminder of the dangers highway workers face daily. The New York DOT took to social media to highlight the risks these workers take while keeping roads safe.
“Our highway workers put their lives on the line every day to keep NY roads safe, and this recent crash on I-81 near Whitney Point is a frightening reminder of the dangers they face,” the post read.
The department also urged drivers to exercise caution in work zones, urging them to slow down, move over, and stay alert, as these simple actions could save lives.
The driver of the truck, identified as 36-year-old Muhammed A. Wesley from Phoenix, Arizona, was traveling north when he failed to notice the work zone and the two parked DOT vehicles.
State police are currently investigating the crash and reminded all drivers that state law requires them to avoid any vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries from the incident. However, the New York State Thruway Authority shared its outrage on social media.
“THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!” the authority posted, condemning the driver’s reckless behaviour.
They also pointed out that this crash came just days after a tragic incident in which a Thruway worker was killed while performing roadside maintenance on I-90 in Chautauqua County.
The DOT’s video serves as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety for both drivers and workers. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and respect for work zones.
The Thruway Authority’s call to action is clear: “Our roadside workers NEED YOUR ATTENTION. Help them get home safe and SLOW DOWN!”