BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - A road worker is recovering after being struck by a motorist, reminding drivers how important it is to slow down in work zones.
The Road Commission for Oakland County said the worker was directing traffic through road work on West Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Township on Nov. 19 when he was hit. The man is an employee of Allied Construction, who was working on behalf of the RCOC.
The man was taken to a local hospital where he was initially in critical condition, but he is now reportedly recovering at home, officials said.
“Our number-one priority is the safety of both those who use the roads and those who work on the roads,” RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar said. “We can’t say this enough: Please slow down and use caution in road-construction zones. We want to make sure the men and women working in these zones go home to their families every night.”
There are several laws in place to protect workers while they’re in work zones. State lawmakers doubled the fines for speeding in work zones starting in 1997. Andy’s Law, which took effect in 2001, can see those found guilty of killing a road construction or maintenance worker serving up to 15 years in prison. Drivers who injure a worker can spend up to a year in prison. There is also a fine up to $7,500.
The law was named after 19-year-old Andrew Lefko. He was paralyzed after being hit while working on I-275 in Metro Detroit.
Public Act 315, passed in 2003, lowered the threshold for the penalties of Andy’s Law. There are now penalties for careless, reckless or drunk driving.
“I understand that it is sometimes frustrating to have to wait in traffic while road construction or maintenance is taking place,” Kolar said. “However, a little bit of patience can save lives and prevent injuries – and help motorists avoid potential jail time and fines if you hit a worker. Please help make sure the road workers get home safely.”
The crash remains under investigation by the Bloomfield Township Police Department.