Work Zone Awareness Week: Bill Will Rename Part Of Highway 29 For Worker Killed In McDavid

April 12, 2019

It is National Work Zone Awareness Week as a bill continues makes its way through the Florida Legislature to rename a portion of Highway 29 after a worker struck and killed last year.

“When traveling through an active work zone, drivers are entering the ‘office’ of those working on the project and must be focused and eliminate all distractions,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault. “From moving equipment to directing traffic, there is a lot of activity in these areas, and motorists need to be mindful. Safe work zones are a top priority for the Department, and we will be working with our law enforcement partners to ensure a safe environment.”

A bill introduced by Sen. Doug Broxson would designate Highway 29 between Cox Road and Sigler Road as “Maceo Perkins Parkway”.

Maceo A. Perkins, 41, was with a group of workers employed by Broad Spectrum working on Highway 29 near Siglar Road. Just after noon on April 6, 2018, he was hit by a vehicle driven by 60-year old Sharon Odom of Century. The Florida Highway Patrol said  Odom’s 2006 Ford Mustang traveled off the roadway onto the west shoulder, colliding with Perkins and the workers’ unoccupied Dodge Ram truck.. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Odom passed away at her Century home four days after the crash.

Recent statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) show (from 2016 to 2017) a two percent increase in total work zone fatalities and increase from 668 to 710 total work zone crashes. Those startling statistics further demonstrate the importance of spreading awareness of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that we all play a role in getting roadway workers home safely.

“We know that everyone wants to get home to their families, pets and personal lives at the end of the day, and our FDOT workers and contractors are no different.” said FDOT District 1 Secretary LK Nandam, P.E. “Please slow down and use extra caution when driving through a work zone so that everyone gets home safely.” Whether you work in an office or on nation’s roadways, everyone deserves to get home safely.

NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

One Response to “Work Zone Awareness Week: Bill Will Rename Part Of Highway 29 For Worker Killed In McDavid”

  1. Miss E on April 12th, 2019 2:55 pm

    It’s sad that Maceo had to lose his life for us to be reminded to slow down in work zones!
    May you rest in peace.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News