Evan Mata’s Harrowing Experience
Everyone knows that in our line of work, safety is paramount. Evan Mata, a traffic laborer with five years of experience, recently faced a harrowing situation that not only put his life at risk but also the lives of his coworkers.
The Incident
While performing routine duties in a live lane, Evan found himself in the midst of a near-tragic event. After completing a cone run, he was driving at a safe speed in the work zone between exits 7 and 16. When all of a sudden, he noticed a red Challenger speed past him at what he guessed was 80 miles per hour. “All I see is headlights and hear the engine of the car go by,” he recalled as the driver approached exit 11. He called ahead on the radio to his father, Traffic Supervisor on the same job, to let him know he had a car coming and accelerated to 65 miles per hour to keep an eye on the situation. The Challenger raced past his father and a police officer at around 70 miles per hour, with his father moving out of the way to avoid a collision.
As Evan caught up to the Challenger, he maneuvered in front of the fast-moving car on an overpass, establishing a gap of about 20 feet between them. This distance served as a buffer between the speeding vehicle and his work crew, three of whom were on the back of a paver. Aware that they were working just 100 feet ahead, he was able to slow down and stop the car. “I thought, I’d rather him hit me than get up to the paver and hurt three of my coworkers,” he reflected. He understood that if the car continued at its speed, there would be no stopping in time, especially on the fresh material they were working with.
“If you’re even 50 feet behind somebody on that fresh material, going above 50, you’re not slowing down in time,” Evan warned. “But at least I have a seatbelt and I’m in a truck. That’s better than crashing into the back of my three coworkers.”
This moment of vigilance and heroism spoke volumes about Evan’s character and commitment to his team. He knew that if the driver managed to reach the paver, the consequences could be catastrophic. “The chance of sliding into the box and causing a serious injury was very real,” he stated.
The driver of the Challenger was apprehended and was found to be double the legal limit for alcohol, and had a history of multiple offenses. This terrifying situation not only highlighted the dangers faced by traffic laborers but also underscored the importance of vigilance in these high-risk environments.
Motivation behind the job
Evan’s commitment to his job goes beyond personal fulfillment; he is motivated by the responsibilities he holds as a father to his one-year-old daughter. The desire to provide a stable home and save up for a house drives him to continue in this line of work, despite the inherent dangers. With a father who has dedicated 24 years in the same field, Evan finds inspiration in the family legacy of hard work and dedication.
Looking Ahead
As Evan reflects on his experience, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks that come with our line of work. He plans to continue in his role, contributing to the safety of the roads while aspiring to build a better future for his daughter.
In a world where road safety can often be overlooked, stories like Evan’s shed light on the challenges faced by those who work tirelessly to maintain our highways. His experience serves as a call to action for both motorists and workers alike to prioritize safety and awareness in live lanes.
