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The worker was there to mow and pick up trash, but walked away with a near-death experience
- A terrifying accident on the Interstate 81 involving a rental truck was caught on camera.
- A highway worker narrowly avoided a collision that came within seconds of turning fatal.
- The New York State Department of Transportation urged drivers to pay more attention.
A highway worker cheated death by a hair’s breadth when a rogue rental box truck slammed into parked vehicles at what can only be described as an ill-advised “high speed.” The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) shared video footage of the incident as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who keep our asphalt ribbons smooth and a plea for drivers to be more vigilant.
The accident took place on October 28 at the Interstate 81 near the town of Lisle. Despite the midday sun offering ample visibility, the box truck driver somehow missed every indication of a work zone: flashing amber lights, strategically parked DOT vehicles, and, presumably, basic common sense.
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The DOT worker, who was assigned to mow and clean up litter, can be seen doing a brief signal with his hands before running for his life. Within milliseconds, the rental truck plowed into a parked DOT attenuator truck, ricocheting its weight into a nearby dump truck, which was unceremoniously launched into a ditch.
The force of the collision between the heavy vehicles sent debris flying everywhere, with enough force to knock the worker’s hard hat off his head. Yet, in an outcome as miraculous as it was unlikely, the worker emerged unharmed, standing on the shoulder in what could only be described as stunned disbelief.
Following its crazy course, the damaged box truck that was traveling north on the interstate ended up resting on the grass. The truck driver, identified by the authorities as the 36-year-old Muhammed A. Wesley from Phoenix, Arizona, reportedly walked away without any injuries.
Authorities maintain that a “mowing ahead” sign had been properly displayed and that the DOT vehicles had their amber lights flashing—though, judging by the outcome, one has to wonder if the driver thought those were merely decorative.
The New York State Department of Transportation stated: “Our highway workers put their lives on the line every day to keep NY roads safe, and this recent crash on I-81 near Whitney Point is a frightening reminder of the dangers they face”. The post called drivers to “slow down, move over, and stay alert in work zones”, adding that “these simple actions can save lives”.
Video: NYSDOT