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.
An unidentified New York State Thruway maintenance worker, who was said by the Teamsters Union to be a supervisor of a work crew, was outside of his vehicle when the incident occurred.
Investigators say a passenger vehicle traveling west on the I-90 struck the staffer. State Police say that driver is cooperating with them and no charges have been filed so far.
Several lanes in both direction were closed for hours 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.
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.”