Another Close Call for WSDOT. Work Crew Hit Again on I-5

How many more of these stories do I have to write?

Get our free mobile app

That’s the question I found myself asking yet again after another Washington State Department of Transportation crew member was hit on southbound I-5 near SR 502 (exit 11) last Saturday.

He was inside what is called a “Road Warrior” truck, working traffic control, when a driver slammed into him.

X @wsdot_southwest

Respecting WSDOT Work Crews Saves Lives

Thankfully, he's going to be okay. But this could have easily ended in tragedy. And honestly? We’re tired of saying, “It could’ve been worse.”

Work zones aren’t random stretches of road with flashing signs and cones for fun. They are places where real people, friends, and neighbors are doing their jobs only feet from traffic moving at 60+ mph.

Every work zone you see, every bright vest, that is someone trying to make your roads safer. They are doing the difficult and often invisible work so your morning commute or weekend trip goes smoothly.

All I ask is: slow down, and pay attention—every time. No exceptions.

“I was just distracted for a second.” But that second could change someone’s life forever, or even end it. Whether it’s texting, speeding, or not paying attention to lane shifts, work zone crashes are 100% preventable.