MDOT is sending a warning to motorists zooming through construction zones – slow down and watch your surroundings.
The message was prompted following an accident that occurred Wednesday afternoon along I-75 near Allen Road in Taylor. Two construction workers were injured.
"Everyone needs to know they need to slow down and pay attention," said Mike Cagle, senior inspector with MDOT. "There’s guys out there working that want to go home."
Road construction is everywhere and it’s taking a toll on drivers.
"It seems everyone is always in a hurry," Cagle said. "They see the barrels and it seems like they speed up trying to get ahead of the next car before the lane closure."
Two construction workers are now recovering after being hit along I-75 northbound near Allen Road in Taylor after a crash involving three vehicles.
"We see it all the time. You almost get used to it, and that’s the scary part. You can’t dodge a barrel when it gets hit and comes flying at you 100 miles per hour," Cagle said.
Signs are posted before every construction zone as a warning, telling drivers if they hit or kill a construction worker, they can be fined up to $7,500 and spend up to 15 years in jail.
"Somebody standing on the side of the road in a vest and a plastic barrel – that’s not enough protection for somebody who isn’t paying attention," said Diane Cross with MDOT.
Don’t forget about Michigan’s Move Over law. Michigan State Police recently cracked down on drivers. The law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
It's a simple thing to remember that can be the difference between life and death.
"We want everyone to go home at night, that’s for sure," Cagle said.
MSP continues to investigate Wednesday's accident. The two construction workers are recovering. One is in critical condition, the other has non-life threatening injuries.
