Troopers review laws to protect road crews after fatal accident

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina Highway Patrol reviewed laws in place to protect construction workers on the job after three workers were struck while working on I-40 in Morgantown early Friday morning.

Investigators said a driver was tired and not paying attention when he veered into a closed lane within the construction zone and struck Flavio Jaimes, Mitchell Brinkley and David Coble. 

All three men were rushed to the hospital. 

Jaimes, who was 43, and a husband and father of three, died as result of his injuries.

Troopers said inattention is one of the most common causes of accidents in work zones.

"We write a significant number of traffic citations, mostly speeding citations in work zones," said Trooper Scott Johnston, with NC HWY Patrol.  "In my experience it is not uncommon to clock vehicles traveling 70 mph."

Troopers said by law when there are construction drivers are required to drop their speed to 55 mph when in a 65 mph zone.

"There can be a difference of 80 feet when stopping from 65 MPH compared to stopping from 55 mph," said Johnston.

Troopers said that extra time could prevent an accident or at least save a life.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, 13 people were killed and 1700 were injured in accidents that happened in work zones in North Carolina in 2013.  This includes both motorists and construction workers.

"It's important that drivers drop their speed and be extra vigilant," said Trooper Johnston.  "Something like what happened to the construction workers in Morganton is tragic for everyone involved."

Troopers told Channel 9 they've written 100 tickets in just one week at the work zone where Jaimes was killed early Friday. Violating the law can cost up to $250 plus court costs. 

The other two construction workers involved in the crash continue to heal from their injuries, said investigators.

Coble had to be flown to CMC in Charlotte and according to hospital officials remains stable as of Saturday evening.

Brinkley was treated and released Friday.  

Investigators said the driver in the case has not yet been charged and the accident remains under investigation.

Troopers added another way drivers can help reduce accidents on interstates is by adhering to the "Move Over" law. 

The law requires drivers to move over one lane, if possible, or reduce speed for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the shoulder of the highway.  This includes Department of Transportation workers and public service vehicles with amber lights.  Violating the law could result in a $500 fine.

WSOC