Missouri State Highway Patrol and construction workers urging for more caution from drivers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Authorities are strongly urging drivers to use more caution after the death of a MoDOT worker who was hit by a semi-truck near Sedalia this week.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and construction workers want drivers to pay attention and give them space to work.

”Don’t just look at the signs and see that there are signs. They’re there to keep the construction worker safe,” said Jeremy Willcock with Hartman and Company Construction.

Willcock didn’t start working in the industry yesterday. He’s been on the job for years. So, he knows the dangers that come with the work.

“If you don’t know what it’s like, walk up next to a highway at some point, and you can actually feel the vibration from the vehicles, especially the 18 wheelers,” he says.

The new plea for caution comes after the recent death of 60-year-old Jay Bone. The MoDOT worker hit and killed. The driver, however, is just 18 years old.

“It’s concerning to us that we talk about this every year. We offer training, but we do not see the trends moving in the right direction, in a safer direction,” said Willcock.

Missouri’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching any emergency vehicles or MoDOT vehicles when it’s safe.

”Its intent is to provide, you know, safety and security,” said Sgt. Mike McClure with Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop D.

State troopers say whether you see workers on site or not, reduced speed limits are still in effect.

“Speed Limit through that zone is active, 24/7. But it becomes crucial when we have those construction workers present on site, then the fines go up if you are in violation of particularly the speed limit,” said Sgt. McClure.

The construction worker says the solution isn’t as simple as wearing high-visibility gear. Willcock says the solution is for drivers to pay attention while out on the road.

“There are a lot of signs out there through work zones, and a lot of them are repetitive, but they’re there and repetitive for a reason.”

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