Mason County, WV — January 18, 2025, Randall Randolph was injured in a truck accident at about 8 p.m. on West Virginia Route 62/Charleston Road.

Authorities said a West Virginia Division of Highways worker was hit by a truck while he and another worker were patching a pothole. The men, who were wearing reflective clothing, tried unsuccessfully to avoid the truck, before one of them was struck.

Worker Randall Randolph broke his arm and leg and suffered a separated shoulder in the crash, according to authorities. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The driver who hit Randolph was not cited after the crash, authorities said.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary

This crash involving a Division of Highways worker underscores the risks faced by road crews, even when taking precautions like wearing reflective clothing. With a worker sustaining serious injuries, understanding the factors that contributed to the incident is essential for improving work zone safety.

A key focus of the investigation will likely be on the actions of the truck driver. Was the driver distracted, speeding or otherwise inattentive to the road and the presence of workers? Investigators will review evidence such as skid marks, vehicle positions and witness accounts to determine whether the driver had adequate time to notice and react to the work zone.

The conditions of the roadway and work zone at the time of the crash are also important considerations. Was the area adequately marked with signs, cones or barriers to alert drivers to the presence of workers? Properly designed work zones are critical to giving drivers enough warning to adjust their speed and navigate safely.

Visibility at the scene may have also played a role. Although the workers were wearing reflective clothing, reduced lighting or inclement weather could have impacted the truck driver’s ability to see them. Investigators will need to determine whether additional lighting or other measures might have improved visibility.

The absence of citations for the truck driver does not necessarily indicate fault or lack thereof. It suggests that authorities are still gathering information to determine the full circumstances of the crash.

For the injured worker, finding answers about what caused this crash is critical. A thorough investigation will help clarify whether driver behavior, work zone design or other factors contributed to the incident and may guide efforts to enhance protections for road crews in similar environments.