The human side of work zone safety
As you probably know, Gov. Tom Wolf has signed into law an automated speed enforcement measure that we believe will help protect highway construction workers. While the bill passed by wide margins in both chambers of the General Assembly, it took sustained efforts by advocates over parts of two legislative sessions to complete the process.
A large measure of credit goes to those who took the time and made the effort to apprise their legislators of the importance of the bill. We also want to recognize APC members Stacy and Jay Chatley, of Established Traffic Control, whose tragedy 11 years ago helped to frame the human side of the issue.
On Nov. 13, 2007, Jay Chatley was setting up a construction zone on Route 80 in Warren County. He was walking on the shoulder when a speeding driver veered out of control, starting a chain reaction that caused a mobile traffic sign to strike him. He was rushed to a hospital with severe head injuries. Although he survived the crash, he suffered permanent injuries that require around-the-clock care.
In April, Stacy and Jay came to Harrisburg to tell their story in conjunction with National Work Zone Awareness Week. APC produced a video of the news conference and distributed it to legislators and the public. While there were many factors that led to passage of the automated speed enforcement act, Stacy and Jay’s willingness to share their story deserves special recognition.
