Highway to Hope or Sympathy Lane? Scholarship Casts Shadow on Worker Safety Record
(WASHINGTON)—The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Foundation is offering a helping hand to nine children of highway workers who lost their lives or were permanently disabled on the job. This heartwarming scholarship program, funded by industry giants, seems like a beacon of support.
The 2024 class includes:
Amy McNeil, Lumberton, Texas
Amy’s father, Jeffrey McNeil, was killed in 2005 while working for the Texas Department of Transportation. Amy is a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas, Arlington.
Jenna Jares, West Texas
Jenna’s father, Gregory Jares, was killed in 2001 while working for the Texas Department of Transportation special crews. Jenna is a graduate student studying occupational therapy at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton.
Breana Jones, Gaston, S.C.
Breana’s father, Standra “Stan” Jones, Sr., died in 2007 after being struck by a vehicle while at work for the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Breana will be entering her junior year at Winthrop University, studying graphic design.
Katie & Christopher Hutt, Cleveland, Tenn.
Katie’s father, Chris, was struck and killed in 2006 while installing signage for United Rentals in a highway work zone. Katie will be a senior studying architecture at the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville. Chris’ son, Christopher, will be a freshman studying chemical engineering at UT Knoxville.
LaToya Hood, Houston, Texas
LaToya’s father, Paris Hood Jr., was killed on a roadway project while working for the Texas Department of Transportation in 1998. LaToya will be returning to Texas Southern University as a junior to complete her degree in healthcare administration.
Zoe Watts, Marshall, Ark.
Zoe’s father, James “Kirk” Watts, was killed by overturned equipment while working for the Arkansas Department of Transportation in 2018. Zoe will be a freshman studying nursing at the University of Central Arkansas.
Christopher “Tyler” Montgomery, Greenville, Miss.
Tyler’s father, Christopher Montgomery, was also killed by overturned equipment while working on a bridge project for Austin Bridge & Road in 2011. Tyler will be a freshman studying physical education at Arkansas State University.
Bethany Rains, Memphis, Ark.
Bethany’s father, James “Bubba” Rains, died in 2013 while working for APAC in Tennessee. Bethany will be pursuing an undergraduate certificate in nursing assistance (CNA) at Arkansas State University, Mid-South.
Helping Hands or Band-Aid on a Bleeding Industry?
While scholarships are commendable, are they enough? The existence of this program begs the question: is the industry doing enough to prevent these tragedies in the first place? Nine families forever altered—is this an acceptable statistic or a symptom of a larger safety crisis?
Funding Education, But What About Funding Safety?
The value of education cannot be denied. But shouldn't the industry be prioritizing initiatives that prevent these deaths and disabilities altogether? Wouldn't that be a more lasting tribute to fallen workers than a scholarship program?
**A Look Beyond the Scholarship: Transparency in Safety Efforts
The press release doesn't detail the industry's safety record or current efforts to improve it. Shouldn't transparency be a key component of such a program? Shining a light on safety initiatives would demonstrate a genuine commitment to preventing future tragedies.
Helping Those Left Behind is Essential, But Let's Not Forget How They Got there.
The ARTBA's scholarship program offers a lifeline to grieving families. However, it shouldn't distract from the need for a more comprehensive approach to worker safety. Let's ensure that future generations of highway workers don't need such scholarships because they're returning home safely each night.
Established in 1985, the ARTBA Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt entity designed to “promote research, education and public awareness” about the impacts of transportation investment. It supports an array of initiatives, including educational scholarships, awards, management and education programs, roadway work zone safety training and certificates, special economic research and reports, and an exhibition on transportation at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
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