SILVER CREEK, N.Y. — The New York State Police Thruway is investigating a fatal accident on the I-90 which involved a Thruway staffer.
The accident happened around 8 a.m. Monday on the I-90WB just before exit 58/Silver Creek in the Town of Hanover.
The victim who has been identified as 58 year old Stephen "Steve" Ebling of Eden , was a New York State Thruway Maintenance Supervisor.
Investigators say a Honda Civic traveling west on the I-90 in the left lane struck the staffer. State Police say that driver who is from Ohio is cooperating with them and no charges have been filed so far.
State Police now report that Ebling's Thruway vehicle was stopped on the left shoulder of the highway and he was standing in front of the vehicle. Troopers say the Honda Civic went over hazard markings toward the Thruway vehicle. Their report indicates that Ebling tried to avoid that potential collision and ran into the left or passing lane. He was then struck by the Honda after the driver apparently corrected and steered back into the left lane
Several lanes in both direction were closed for hours on Monday morning while troopers investigated. They were reopened later in the morning.
Teamsters Local 465 President Louis Picani spoke with 2 On Your Side on Monday afternoon. He spoke about safety factors for Thruway maintenance staffers.
"We would like to see more, maybe police presence on the job sites when the workers are out there, because that does have people slow down when you see law enforcement, people will slow down before they see a camera," Picani said. "They will slow down to listen to the police, we would like to have more bumper trucks to protect the workers while they're out there again, and it's more than likely, they're going to say it's a cost factor, but you can't put money on a human's life."
Picani added "Some accidents cannot be prevented, but we have to do everything in our power to try to minimize anything like this, that's happening, and again, these families are going to suffer their whole lives now for the loss of their loved one. So I know our members that their families are still grieving, and it's a pain that doesn't go away. You know your loved one goes to work, you expect them to come home the same condition."
There was an accident that occurred back in May in the Rochester area in Monroe County in which a Thruway maintenance worker was killed and another was severely injured when they were hit by a tractor trailer.
Investigators say excessive speed and distracted drivers are often factors in such accidents. Drivers should also obey the Move Over Law to provide a lane of safety margin for first responders, Thruway and DOT employees, and tow truck operators.
The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is using video from cameras and measurements and other readings from a drone to further investigate the accident.
The state has previously pointed out that from 2016 to 2020 there were 37 such deaths on New York highways and that 300 workers were killed nationwide.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank. G. Hoare, Esq. released a statement on Tuesday:
“On Monday, November 4, 2024, the Thruway Authority lost one of its own, who tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while working on the Thruway (I-90) in Silver Creek. Stephen “Steve” Ebling was a Thruway Maintenance Supervisor based in the Thruway’s Silver Creek Section out of the Buffalo Maintenance Division. Steve was a committed public servant, having devoted 15 years of his career to the Thruway Authority and is remembered by his fellow colleagues as a hardworking and dedicated person who was always willing to help. Steve’s wife Belindie and their two sons Brett and Joel are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
It cannot be emphasized enough that the men and women who work along the roadway are real people with families that they want to go home safe to each day. New York Move Over Law requires drivers to be alert, slow down and safely move over for all stopped vehicles on the side of the road. There is no reason for endangering lives.
New York State Police continue to investigate the crash, and we will share additional information as it becomes available.”
Governor Kathy Hochul released the following statement on Monday:
“Earlier today, a Thruway Authority Maintenance employee tragically lost his life when he was struck by a vehicle while working on I-90 in Silver Creek. We are heartbroken over the devastating death of a dedicated public servant, and my prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow co-workers during this difficult time. Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road and they deserve our utmost attention at all times. This is the second fatality involving a Thruway maintenance worker this year and it is a serious reminder to slow down, safely move over and be alert for all vehicles stopped on the side of the road.”
See the NYS Thruway Authority's post attached below.