Colorado officials are grappling with a devastating loss after two Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) employees were killed while working on the side of a highway on Wednesday. The workers, whose duties focused on maintaining and improving road safety, tragically lost their lives in a preventable accident when a vehicle veered off the road, hitting them.
Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT, expressed the department’s deep sorrow at a news conference, stating, “Our team is absolutely devastated to be here today.” The sentiment was echoed across the state, reflecting the heartbreak felt by both CDOT and the communities the workers served.
The fatal accident occurred on Highway 6, just east of Grand Junction, as the two workers performed maintenance operations. According to reports, they were fixing a road sign—a routine task in their line of work. At that moment, a Jeep Grand Cherokee drifted off the highway and struck both workers as they were walking back toward their truck. Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard shared grim details of the crash, explaining that the impact of the collision was severe enough to cause the Jeep to roll, killing the passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger, while not immediately identified, was later confirmed to be the wife of the Jeep’s driver.
The workers died at the scene, leaving behind devastated colleagues, friends, and families. The driver of the Jeep survived but sustained minor injuries. Col. Packard hinted at potential legal consequences, stating that the driver might face criminal charges after a thorough investigation with the Mesa County District Attorney’s office.
Packard emphasized the preventability of the tragedy: “Three people lost their lives. And anytime that happens, it’s heartbreaking and tragic. And today is no exception to that.” He pointed out the inherent dangers faced by workers on the road and urged drivers to exercise caution, not just for themselves but for others.
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The accident serves as a sobering reminder of the daily risks faced by roadside workers. Lew highlighted this during the news conference, saying, “The folks that are out there working on the road, that is their office, and they’re out there protecting the traveling public. When you see vehicles pulled over on the side of the road, please, please treat them like they’re your own family.”
This appeal was not just emotional but practical, urging motorists to follow existing safety laws aimed at protecting those who work on the roads. Lew’s message was clear: slow down, move over, and ensure that those working to maintain public safety are not placed in harm’s way.
Colorado has long recognized the dangers of working or being stopped on the side of a highway. Over the past few decades, the state has seen a rise in accidents involving roadside workers, law enforcement, and stranded motorists. In response, Colorado passed the “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to either move over to an adjacent lane or reduce their speed significantly when passing first responders or other vehicles pulled over on the side of the road.
In 2023, Governor Jared Polis strengthened the law, expanding its coverage to include not only emergency vehicles but also all vehicles stopped on the side of the road. The law was designed to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities involving roadside workers and other individuals parked along highways. Yet, as this tragedy shows, compliance with the law remains a pressing issue.
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Governor Polis issued a heartfelt statement in the aftermath of the accident, acknowledging the loss felt by the entire state. “Today in Mesa County, after stopping to the side of the road to fix a sign, two dedicated Colorado Department of Transportation employees were struck by a passing vehicle that led to the tragic loss of three lives and a fourth being hospitalized. I’m heartbroken by this horrible accident, and my thoughts are with the families of the individuals, CDOT, and the communities. These Coloradans will be missed by their state, families, and communities.”
The governor’s words reflect the collective grief of a state that relies on the hard work of individuals like those lost in this accident. Their dedication to public service was cut short by a preventable incident that could have been avoided if only the driver had adhered to safety protocols.
As the investigation continues, officials and safety advocates are renewing their call for drivers to be more vigilant when traveling on highways. The “Move Over” law was created to prevent such tragedies, but its success hinges on public compliance. For the families of the workers and the Jeep’s passenger, no law can undo the loss they’ve experienced. But ensuring that this kind of accident does not happen again is a responsibility that falls to every driver.
For now, Colorado mourns the loss of these three lives, and officials urge the public to honor them by driving responsibly and ensuring that the roads are safe for everyone.
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of how fragile life is, especially for those who work to keep our roads safe. Let it be a wake-up call for all drivers to slow down, move over, and take seriously the safety of every person they pass on the road.