Forty-two-year-old Manuel DeJesus Rivas was setting up a sign near the Crest Drive Exit of I-35 one early morning last month when he was hit by an 18-wheeler. The big rig continued on its path without stopping, while Rivas died. Police are seeking the driver of the truck as well as another witness who they believe may have information.
The accident happened at about 2:30 a.m. on a recent Tuesday morning. When it happened, a witness driving a 90s model Ford pickup reportedly tried to flag down the truck driver, to no avail. Police are seeking the driver of this pick-up truck, too.
“The loss of one life, the injury of one person, be it one of our traveling public, or one of our workers, one of our TxDOT employees, is unacceptable,” said TxDOT spokesperson Ken Roberts in speaking with KXXV News Channel 25.
“The majority of the time, it’s speed and inattention that results in our work zone crashes, injuries and fatalities,” said Roberts. “We want people to be aware and to take [these] things to heart.”
The TxDOT provides a list of tips on their website for navigating construction zones, a frequent setting of accidents. They suggest:
- Slow down and always follow posted work-zone speed limits. Speeding is one of the major causes of work-zone crashes. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.
- Pay attention. Workers and heavy equipment may be only a few feet from passing vehicles.
- Be patient. Delays from highway construction can be frustrating, but it takes only a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.
- Plan ahead. Leave a few minutes early when traveling through a work zone in order to reach your destination on time.
Every year, the TxDOT reports, there are about 15,000 crashes on Texas roads and more than 100 people killed in highway construction zones. The two main causes of these crashes are speeding and lack of alertness. One in three work-zone crashes are rear-end collisions.
Staying aware at all times when behind the wheel is crucial. Just because you are on the highway and you don’t see much traffic, it doesn’t mean this is a safe time to pull out your phone and read emails or touch up your makeup. Those seconds that you look away could be the seconds that cost someone their life.
Kevin Krist, Work-Zone Accident Attorney
Whether you work for the TxDOT and are involved in a workplace accident or you are traveling through a work zone when you are hit by a distracted driver—I may be able to help. If you are part of an accident that isn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Contact my office today to discuss the details of your case and the legal options available to you.
