Traffic safety advocates urge drivers to slow down, move over after recent deaths of Connecticut road workers

Дата публикации: 05-10-2026 15:27:16

State police, lawmakers and traffic safety advocates are urging drivers to slow down and move over for roadside workers following a series of fatal crashes in Connecticut, including the recent death of a longtime Department of Transportation employee.
The renewed calls for caution come just days after the funeral of Elvin Hernandez, a DOT worker who was struck and killed while working along Interstate 95 in Fairfield.
Officials said Hernandez’s death is part of a troubling trend of roadside fatalities involving workers and first responders.
“It’s nerve-wracking to the troopers and the work zone workers,” said Connecticut State Police Col. Daniel Loughman. “We’re out there unprotected, walking around on those job sites. And people need to realize, those are real lives.”
The concern extends beyond highway construction crews.
Last month, tow truck operator Alexander Ramos was struck and killed in Bloomfield. In 2024, Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier died after being hit by a vehicle on Interstate 84 in Southington.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said the deaths should serve as a call to action.
“We’ve got to be angry as well as be sad, but honor these workers with action,” Blumenthal said.
The senator introduced legislation that would require the federal government to study crashes involving disabled vehicles and work zones and identify potential safety improvements.
Connecticut has also taken steps to improve safety in work zones. Loughman said state police have increased trooper presence in construction areas compared with a year ago.
The state has also launched speed enforcement cameras in highway work zones, aimed at reducing speeding and protecting workers.
Traffic safety advocates say drivers still need to do more. They are reminding motorists that Connecticut’s Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and, when possible, change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks and other roadside workers.
“These lives matter,” said Tracy Noble of AAA. “And when you think about it, who are you willing to lose? Who are you not willing to move over for?”
According to AAA, a recent study found that up to one-third of drivers do not slow down and move over when approaching roadside incidents. Some motorists mistakenly believe the requirement only applies when an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind.

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