Two MDOT Workers Killed While Working Along US-127

If you've ever blasted through a construction zone because you were running late or just not paying attention, this is a reminder of why those reduced speed limits are there in the first place.

Two MDOT workers were killed Tuesday afternoon while working along US-127 in Ingham County. According to Fox 2 Detroit, a 24-year-old driver from DeWitt lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the workers. Both men, ages 49 and 51, died at the scene. The driver was seriously injured.

Michigan Road Workers Killed In US 127 Crash

This is the part that hits me the hardest. These guys got up like they did every day, went to work, and probably figured they'd be home for dinner that night. Instead, two families got the kind of phone call nobody ever wants to receive. Just brutal.

Police are still investigating, but they believe speed may have played a role in the crash.

See Also: Why the Next 100 Days Are the Deadliest for Michigan Drivers

Michigan Cracking Down In Construction Zones

Unfortunately, stories like this aren't rare enough. We all see drivers flying through work zones, tailgating, weaving through traffic, or treating construction areas like the speed limit doesn't apply to them.

Just the other day, I was driving through a construction zone doing exactly what I was supposed to do, following the posted speed limit. Meanwhile, some maniac was riding my bumper the entire time before finally blowing past me at what had to be at least 80 mph. That's the problem.

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Michigan is hoping to change that with automated speed cameras in construction zones. Drivers caught going 10 mph or more over the posted limit could soon receive a ticket in the mail. I'm all for this.

I know some people hate the idea of speed cameras, but road workers risk their lives every day and just want to make it home at the end of their shift, just like the rest of us.

Slow down, put your stupid phone away, and pay attention. It's not worth risking someone's life to save a couple of minutes.