In 2023, the New York State Department of Transportation experienced 214 work zone traffic intrusions. The majority of these crashes were caused by distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane change, or disregarding traffic warning signs. Workers' Memorial Day takes place on April 28 and is a chance to remember the many highway and transportation workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the public.

On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya are joined by two people who know just how dangerous these work zones can be when drivers don't do their part to keep the roads safe, Karen Torres and Cody Baker.

Karen lost her father, Patrick Mapleson, to a distracted driver who entered his DOT work zone. She shares her family's story and how she transformed her grief into a mission as a safety advocate. Cody is with DOT's Main Office Employee Safety and Health Office and talks about our annual Workers Memorial event.

We want to thank all of our dedicated and hard working DOT highway workers who put their own safety on the line so that we can get to our destinations safe. And we ask motorists to slow down, move over, and pay attention!