Construction Worker Killed By Truck on Atlantic City Expressway
Construction work is always risky. In many cases, there are vehicles involved, and they can cause a fatal accident in a blink of an eye.
Sadly, this was recently the situation in New Jersey. New Jersey State Police responded to a construction site after a worker was tragically killed after being struck by a truck on the Atlantic City Expressway on the morning of July 25.
The accident happened in a construction zone along the eastbound lanes of the Atlantic City Expressway near milepost 36.5 in Winslow Township. The driver of an attenuator truck — which is, ironically, a vehicle specifically designed to protect workers and motorists in highway work zones — was backing up to collect cones from a lane closure on the shoulder.
Unaware that a worker was behind the truck, the driver accidentally ran him over. The victim, a 31-year-old man from Egg Harbor Township, died from his injuries at the scene. While state police have not officially released his name, family and friends have identified him and set up a GoFundMe to support his loved ones.
Initially, state police reported that no injuries were connected to the crash. However, they later clarified that their first statement referred to a separate minor collision that took place in the same area around the same time as the fatal incident.
What Does an Attenuator Truck Do?
This whole situation is ironic, given that an attenuator truck ran over the worker even though such a truck is considered a safety vehicle used in road construction zones. Also called a crash truck or truck-mounted attenuator vehicle, the main purpose is to protect workers and motorists from high-speed collisions in active work areas.
The truck is equipped with a large, crash-absorbing cushion (the attenuator) attached to its rear. If a vehicle accidentally strikes the truck, the attenuator is designed to absorb and dissipate the impact energy, reducing the severity of the crash. The truck is often placed at the back of a work zone or used while workers set up or remove cones, acting as a barrier between traffic and workers. By absorbing much of the crash energy, it helps prevent severe injuries or fatalities for drivers who accidentally drift into the work zone.
In short, an attenuator truck functions like a mobile crash cushion. It acts as a moving shield that minimizes damage in the event of a collision.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Construction workers are prone to accidents due to the various elements involved. Those who work in road construction face dangers from vehicles on the roadway.
A construction accident can be a stressful situation. Get the legal help you need from a Morristown construction accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We can help you understand your options for making a successful financial recovery. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
nbcphiladelphia.com/news/transportation-and-transit/construction-worker-struck-killed-by-truck-on-ac-expressway-in-winslow-twp/4243005/
