News Summary
A man was arrested after crashing into a CT DOT vehicle in a construction zone on Route 9 in Berlin. The driver, Brian Ayers, exhibited signs of intoxication and was charged with multiple offenses. Fortunately, the DOT worker experienced only minor injuries. This incident underscores the ongoing concern for road safety in active construction zones, especially during peak months.
Berlin, CT – Drunk Driver Arrested After Crashing into CT DOT Vehicle in Construction Zone
A man has been arrested after allegedly crashing into a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) vehicle in a construction zone on Route 9 in Berlin on Thursday night. The collision occurred just after 9:15 p.m. near exit 34, where construction activities were ongoing.
At the time of the accident, the left lane of Route 9 and the exit 34 off-ramp were closed for construction work. A CT DOT supervisor’s vehicle was parked with its emergency safety lights activated when it was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 46-year-old Brian Ayers from New Haven, was reportedly trying to slow down but veered into the construction area and hit the supervisor’s car.
The DOT worker experienced minor pain and was evaluated by emergency personnel on the scene. Fortunately, the worker did not require hospitalization. Ayers did not report any injuries but exhibited signs of intoxication, prompting further investigation by state troopers.
Upon their arrival, state police noted the smell of alcohol emanating from Ayers and observed an open alcoholic beverage in his vehicle. Additionally, he appeared to be extremely unsteady on his feet. Following a failed field sobriety test, Ayers was arrested and charged with several offenses, including:
- Endangering highway workers
- Driving under the influence in a construction zone
- Reckless endangerment
- Failure to maintain proper lane
Ayers was subsequently released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 31.
The Connecticut State Police were on site and had personnel assigned to the ongoing construction project. This incident is part of a broader concern regarding road safety in active construction zones. So far this year, there have been a total of 33 reported incidents in Connecticut where construction workers have been struck while performing their duties in these areas.
This event highlights the urgent need for heightened driver vigilance in construction zones, particularly during the summer months when construction activities are often at their peak. Authorities continue to remind the driving public to adhere to traffic laws and remain attentive in work zones to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists alike.
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Additional Resources
- Fox61 News
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone Safety
- WFSB News
- Google Search: CT DOT accidents
- CT Post
- Google Scholar: Construction Worker Safety
- New Haven Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Zone Safety Measures
- JSONline News
- Google News: Worker Accidents Construction Zones
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