Construction Flagger Killed: Tragic Accident on Southern Nevada Roads (2002)

In November 2014, a tragic incident occurred in Henderson, Nevada, when 49-year-old construction flagger Marilyn Rouse was struck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic in a construction zone. At approximately 2 a.m. on November 7, Rouse was positioned on Warm Springs Road near Cebolla Street, wearing a reflective uniform and using lighted wands to guide traffic. She was struck by a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 21-year-old Selina Gonzalez-Gascon, who fled the scene but was later apprehended. Gonzalez-Gascon faced charges including DUI with substantial bodily harm in a work zone and leaving the scene of a crash involving a serious injury.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

This incident underscores the critical importance of safety measures for construction workers, particularly flaggers who are vulnerable to traffic-related accidents. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that from 2003 to 2020, 2,222 workers lost their lives at road construction sites, with 73% of these fatalities resulting from transportation events, and in more than half (63%), the worker was struck by a vehicle.
CDC

In response to such tragedies, safety organizations advocate for enhanced protective measures, including the use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) and Portable Traffic Signal Light Duty systems. These technologies aim to reduce the risks faced by flaggers by allowing them to manage traffic remotely, away from the dangers of moving vehicles.
NORTH AMERICA TRAFFIC

This story aired on KTNV-TV in Las Vegas in 2002.

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Видео Construction Flagger Killed: Tragic Accident on Southern Nevada Roads (2002) канала Dave Malkoff