Maine transportation officials are urging motorists to exercise caution as construction activity increases statewide with the arrival of warmer weather.
Speaking during National Work Zone Awareness Week, officials emphasized the importance of slowing down, avoiding distractions and remaining vigilant in active construction zones, where workers face heightened risks.
“With warmer weather comes more construction projects, more traffic and the potential for more accidents,” officials said, highlighting seasonal trends that often lead to increased roadway hazards.
Law enforcement officials stressed that driver behavior plays a critical role in work zone safety.
“Speeding through a work zone, ignoring signage or driving aggressively doesn’t just risk a ticket, it risks lives,” said Bruce Scott of the Maine State Police.
The renewed safety push comes just months after a deadly work zone incident in Waterville claimed the lives of two Maine Department of Transportation workers, Jimmy Brown and Dwayne Campbell. Two additional workers were seriously injured in the same घटना.
State leaders referenced the tragedy as a reminder of the dangers faced by roadway crews and the importance of public cooperation in preventing similar incidents.
“We’re all aware no policy, no procedure, no training, no technology, can change the trajectory of an errant driver,” said Dale Doughty.
In response, the Maine Department of Transportation is launching a public awareness campaign aimed at improving driver behavior and exploring new strategies to better protect workers in construction zones.
At a training facility in Fairfield, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation extending death benefits to transportation workers killed in the line of duty. The measure aligns DOT worker benefits with those already provided to first responders, including firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel.
Mills honored the memory of Brown and Campbell, describing them as dedicated workers and community members.
“You knew if you needed something you could call on them and they would be there,” she said. “That work ethic was a hallmark of Jimmy and Dwayne’s character. They shared the same deep commitment to getting the job done without cutting corners.”
The legislation also ensures that financial support will be directed to the families of fallen workers, including those affected by the Waterville incident, as well as future transportation employees who die while performing official duties.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Amy Roeder, previously shared testimony from a family member of the victims, underscoring the lasting personal impact of workplace fatalities.
According to federal data, transportation workers nationwide experienced 1,391 fatal work injuries in 2024, reinforcing the need for continued safety improvements across the industry.
Officials say the message to drivers is simple but critical: slow down, stay alert and respect work zones to help prevent further tragedies as construction season intensifies.
Originally reported by Susan Cover in Spectrum Local News.
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