CLE ELUM – An urgent call in the middle of the night pulled Kevin Nicholson from the comfort of home to a perilous scene on Interstate 90 in Cle Elum in 2023. His role as a WSDOT highway maintenance supervisor thrust him into the center of a dire situation—a semi-truck had crashed, setting off a series of events that demonstrated the dangers facing roadwork crews daily.
On the evening of October 15, 2023, as Nicholson’s team dealt with the aftermath of a truck hitting a guardrail and scattering its cargo, another truck crashed into a WSDOT Road Warrior vehicle. This vehicle, designed to protect workers, was severely damaged by the impact of the collision. The crash injured two state troopers, caused significant damage, and led to prolonged highway closures.
These back-to-back incidents showcase the dangers of high-speed and distracted driving near work zones. Nicholson voiced his concerns, noting an alarming trend of reckless behavior on the roads. “We often see drivers going well over the speed limit, distracted by their phones or under the influence, which puts everyone nearby at serious risk,” he said.
Reflecting a worrying increase in such incidents, the WSDOT reported that 2024 saw a 17% rise in work zone-related crashes from the previous year, including a 36% increase in serious injuries. Despite increased penalties for violations in work zones, many drivers continue to flout safety rules…