A construction zone emphasizing the importance of driver vigilance for worker safety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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