News Summary
A man was arrested after crashing into a Connecticut Department of Transportation vehicle parked in a construction zone. The incident raised safety concerns about work zones, as the driver was found to be highly intoxicated. Fortunately, the DOT worker involved only reported minor pain. The driver faces several charges, including driving under the influence in a construction zone, and is scheduled to appear in court soon. This event highlights the ongoing issue of safety for construction workers across the state.
Berlin, Connecticut — Drunk Driver Crashes Into Construction Zone Vehicle
A man was arrested following a collision with a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) vehicle in a construction zone on Route 9 in Berlin late Thursday night. The incident caused a temporary disruption in traffic and highlighted ongoing safety concerns in work zones across the state.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred shortly after 9:15 p.m. near exit 34 on Route 9. At the time, the roadway was partially closed for construction, with the left lane of Route 9 and the exit 34 off-ramp shut down to facilitate work. The CT DOT supervisor’s vehicle was parked with emergency lights flashing when it was struck from behind.
According to authorities, the driver of the other vehicle, identified as Brian Ayers, 46, of New Haven, was attempting to reduce his speed but ultimately rear-ended the parked DOT vehicle after veering into the construction zone. The force of the impact caused the supervisor’s vehicle to be struck while stationary.
Injuries and Response
The DOT worker involved reported experiencing minor pain following the incident. Emergency personnel who responded to the scene evaluated the worker, who did not require hospitalization. The driver of the striking vehicle, Ayers, did not report any injuries but appeared highly intoxicated, prompting further investigation.
Evidence of Alcohol Impairment
State troopers arrived shortly after the crash and noted multiple signs of intoxication. They detected the smell of alcohol emanating from Ayers’ vehicle and observed an open alcoholic beverage inside. Additionally, Ayers was extremely unsteady on his feet, raising suspicion of impairment.
Following standardized field sobriety tests, Ayers failed to demonstrate sobriety, leading to his arrest. The charges filed against him include:
- Endangering highway workers
- Driving under the influence in a construction zone
- Reckless endangerment
- Failure to maintain proper lane
Legal Proceedings and Incident Context
Brian Ayers was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 31. The Connecticut State Police responded to the scene and provided assistance in managing the incident, which took place within an active construction zone where personnel were working at the time of the crash.
Safety Concerns in Construction Zones
This incident adds to the ongoing issue of motor vehicle-related injuries in work zones across Connecticut. In 2023, there have been 33 reported incidents involving construction workers being struck while performing their duties. The events underscore the importance of heightened vigilance and careful driving, especially during the busy summer months when construction activity typically increases.
Conclusion
The crash in Berlin serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by construction workers and underscores the need for drivers to exercise caution when traveling through active work zones. Law enforcement continues to monitor and enforce traffic safety rules to protect both workers and motorists.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Injuries Reported in Sacramento Residential Vehicle Crash and Legal Consequences
Major Bridge Replacement on State Route 207 in Caroline County
Two Construction Workers Injured in Elkhart Street Accident
Two Construction Workers Injured in Elkhart Vehicle Collision
Additional Resources
- Fox61 News
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone Safety
- WFSB News
- Google Search: CT DOT accidents
- CT Post
- Google Scholar: Construction Worker Safety
- New Haven Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Zone Safety Measures
- JSONline News
- Google News: Worker Accidents Construction Zones
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
