WINSLOW TWP., N.J. — A young construction worker from Egg Harbor Township was struck and killed by an attenuator truck on the Atlantic City Expressway early Friday morning, highlighting the deadly risks faced by highway workers on one of New Jersey’s busiest roadways.

The tragic incident happened at approximately 7 a.m. on July 25, in a designated work zone near milepost 36.5 in the eastbound lanes, according to New Jersey State Police. The 31-year-old worker — whose name has not yet been released to the public — was behind the truck as it was reversing to collect cones marking the closure of the shoulder.

The truck, designed to shield crews and drivers by absorbing crash impacts, instead became the source of a fatal accident when the driver, unaware of the worker’s position, backed over him. Police confirmed that the worker died from his injuries at the scene.

“This is a tragic reminder that even with safety equipment in place, we must stay vigilant to protect lives in our work zones,” a spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police said over the weekend.

State troopers initially reported no injuries when first responding, later clarifying that they were referencing a separate, minor crash that happened in the same area around the same time.

Work Zone Dangers

The Atlantic City Expressway is a major route for daily commuters and shore-bound travelers, with thousands of vehicles using the road every day — creating a dangerous environment for road crews. Safety experts say that despite improved equipment like attenuator trucks, the biggest danger remains simple human error and lack of communication on active sites.

“Even with the best technology and training, tragedies like this still happen if we don’t double down on situational awareness and strong safety protocols,” said one local road safety advocate not involved in the incident.

The Federal Highway Administration reports that, nationwide, about 800 people are killed each year in work zone crashes — including drivers, passengers, and construction workers. Backing incidents, like Friday’s fatality, are among the most common types of work zone deaths.

Growing Calls for Safety

The incident has sparked renewed concern among local construction crews and labor unions, which continue to call for tougher requirements for work zone traffic management, better training for equipment operators, and stricter enforcement of protocols.

Advocates say basic steps like requiring dedicated spotters when trucks back up, using additional backup cameras, and enforcing reduced speed limits around work areas can all save lives.

New Jersey state officials have recently launched several “Slow Down — Move Over” campaigns to remind drivers to use caution near roadside workers, especially during peak construction season.

Investigation Ongoing

So far, authorities have not said whether the truck driver could face any citations or charges. The construction company managing the work zone has not yet commented publicly. OSHA may also conduct a parallel investigation to determine whether workplace safety regulations were followed.

Meanwhile, local officials are urging all drivers to remain alert and patient when passing through highway work zones.

“Behind those cones and barriers are real people — fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters — working hard to keep our roads safe,” said a statement from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. “One moment of inattention can change a family forever.”

Originally reported by David Chang in NBC 10 Philadelphia.