New York State officials are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones after two separate incidents left state employees injured and a police vehicle damaged.
The two crashes—one in Steuben County and another in Chemung County—have renewed calls for drivers to obey the state’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to give space to emergency and highway crews.
DOT workers struck in Hornellsville crash
Shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, three New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) employees were struck by a vehicle in an active work zone along state Route 36 in the Town of Hornellsville, according to New York State Police.
- A 30-year-old worker was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester
- Two others, ages 52 and 60, were taken by ambulance to St. James Hospital in Hornell
- All are expected to survive
The crash occurred when an SUV heading southbound veered into the work zone, hitting the workers before colliding with a parked DOT vehicle. A portion of Route 36 was closed for hours and remained under a detour as of Wednesday afternoon.
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez released a statement following the incident:
“This irresponsible behavior on the roadway needs to stop… I am pleading with the traveling public: SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER, PAY ATTENTION… our workers are out on the roadways doing their job – and their job is to keep the traveling public safe. So, in return, please keep them safe.”
The incident comes just 12 days after the death of NYSDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who was killed in a separate work zone crash.
State trooper’s vehicle sideswiped during roadside stop
Later that same day in Chemung County, a New York State Police trooper narrowly avoided injury while clearing debris from Interstate 86 in Horseheads.
At approximately 1:23 p.m., the trooper had parked on the shoulder near Exit 54 to remove debris from the passing lane. According to NYSP, while the trooper was outside of his vehicle, a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica lost control after hitting another car and sideswiped the parked patrol vehicle.
- The trooper was unharmed because he was outside the vehicle at the time
- The driver of the Pacifica sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment
Officials say the crash caused property damage to the patrol vehicle and again emphasized the importance of driver awareness near emergency scenes.
Highway safety reminders for drivers
New York’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to:
- Slow down when approaching stopped emergency, maintenance, or service vehicles with flashing lights
- Move over to the next lane when it’s safe to do so
- Remain alert in active work zones, even if no workers are visible
Violating the Move Over law can result in fines, points on your license, and in serious cases, criminal charges if injury or death occurs.
Key takeaways
- Two separate June 11 crashes involved NYSP and NYSDOT personnel
- Three DOT workers hospitalized after being struck in a work zone
- Trooper’s vehicle damaged in unrelated debris removal stop
- Officials urge motorists to slow down, stay alert, and obey the Move Over law
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