MassDOT Worker Fatally Struck by Vehicle in Bridgewater
Late Saturday night, tragedy struck as a MassDOT worker was fatally struck by a vehicle while working on Route 24 in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The worker’s name has not been released at this time. According to officials from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the worker was struck while picking up debris outside their vehicle near Exit 28B on the northbound side of the highway.
The incident occurred on Saturday night, and the vehicle that struck the worker remained at the scene. As a result of the accident, all northbound lanes were closed between 10:30 p.m. and 1:20 a.m. on Sunday morning to facilitate the investigation.
The Plymouth County State Police Detectives Unit is currently investigating the matter. The investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and to shed light on any contributing factors.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by workers who perform their duties on highways and roadways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal work injuries involving transportation incidents accounted for 40% of all fatal work injuries in the United States in 2019. These incidents often involve workers being struck by vehicles or machinery.
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the safety of workers in highway work zones. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has implemented various measures to protect workers, including the use of temporary traffic control devices, increased visibility of workers through the use of high-visibility apparel, and the education of drivers on the importance of work zone safety.
However, despite these efforts, incidents like the one in Bridgewater serve as a stark reminder that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of workers on our roadways. It is crucial for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits and traffic control measures when passing through work zones.
In conclusion, the tragic incident involving the MassDOT worker in Bridgewater highlights the risks faced by workers who perform their duties on highways and roadways. The investigation by the Plymouth County State Police Detectives Unit will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident. This serves as a reminder of the importance of work zone safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution when passing through these areas.
