ATSSA Immediate Past Chair Deb Ricker testifies on roadway safety before Vermont state legislature

As part of the lead up to National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), and ATSSA members’ continued efforts to advance roadway safety, immediate past chair and president of WorkSafe Traffic Control Industries Debra Ricker testified before the Committee on Transportation in the Vermont House of Representatives.

Additionally, on April 6, Ricker brought her message to the Vermont Senate Committee on Transportation.

During her testimony, Ricker spoke about the work her company does, the danger roadway workers face in work zones, NWZAW, and the real-life impact of work zone crashes.

“I personally have spent many hours and days putting my life on the line while working in work zones,” said Ricker.

To further the goal of zero deaths on the nation’s roadways, Ricker advocated for Vermont House Bill 691, which adds additional penalties against distracted drivers in work zones. Another piece of legislation, House Bill 8, would add additional points to a driver’s license for distracted driving in a work zone, with an education component required for the driver through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Ricker proposed adding work zone safety provisions to the state’s transportation funding bill as well.

“In order to tackle the challenge of roadway fatalities in work zones, states and local governments must not only continue to invest in roadway safety infrastructure projects, but also think about how best to utilize their limited resources,” said Ricker.

Ricker also spoke about the Foundation’s National Work Zone Memorial, which currently honors 1,400 names.

“The memorial honors lives lost in work zones in the United States, listing the names of those lost to underscore the message that every life matters to policy makers and drivers,” said Ricker.

There are currently two Vermont names listed on the memorial, and more are eligible to be added, according to Ricker.

“Since 2012, five people have been killed in work zones on Vermont roadways, three of whom were work zone workers,” said Ricker.

To learn more about the Vermont chapter’s event, click here.