New TV/Radio Campaign Features MoDOT Worker Killed in Work Zone

In a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences of reckless driving, a new TV and radio campaign features Ken Hoierman, a Missouri Department of Transportation worker, at the scene of a fatal crash asking motorists to drive safely in highway work zones. Six days later, on Aug. 9, Hoierman was killed by a motorist who drove through orange cones into the work zone when he was responding to another highway incident. Hoierman was the third MoDOT worker killed in a highway work zone this year. Since 2000, seven MoDOT workers have died and 214 were injured in work zone crashes. Between 2000 and 2005, 119 motorists were killed and 6,267 injured in work zone crashes. To further protect highway workers, a new law that was effective Aug. 28 imposes a fine of up to $10,000 for killing or injuring a highway worker, as well as loss of a license for a year.