An Arkansas car crash killed two construction workers on I-55 in Crittenden County. It happened when a pickup crossed into the construction zone.
Arkansas State Police say that George Walker was driving southbound on I-55 when he swerved into a closed off construction lane and crashed into the rear of an asphalt paver, where Marshall Turner and James Rains were standing. Both men were killed instantly. The paving crews were staging along the inside shoulder of the interstate and hadn't started their overnight paving work yet.
Walker and his passenger were taken to the Med in Memphis for their injuries.
Brad Smithee with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department said, "We follow the manual on uniform traffic control devices, which federal guidelines.” Unfortunately, drivers still seem to overlook all the signs. Smithee encourages drivers to "be observant whether driving through a construction zone or just down the road. We have to monitor what we are doing." He also notes that if there's construction going on, there can be lane changes, lane closings, and flag people ahead. It's up to drivers to keep their full attention on the road and to not focus on cellphones or other electronic devices.
Construction on highway 63 in Jonesboro has construction workers working at night, which allows less traffic and fewer travelers. Unfortunately, working at night also adds more risk as the lack of illumination can be dangerous. The workers do use very bright lights so that drivers can see them, but even then, it doesn't always work out that way.
Girards Law extends their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Marshall Turner and James Rains.