News Summary
A man was arrested in Berlin, CT, after crashing his vehicle into a parked Connecticut DOT truck in a construction zone. The incident occurred late at night and led to charges of driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. Fortunately, the DOT worker experienced only minor injuries. The arrest underscores ongoing safety concerns in construction areas, especially during the summer when incidents are more frequent.
Berlin, CT – A man was arrested on Thursday night after allegedly crashing his vehicle into a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) vehicle in a construction zone on Route 9. The incident occurred shortly after 9:15 p.m. near exit 34, where construction was taking place, leading to the closure of the left lane and the exit ramp at the time of the crash.
According to state police, the CT DOT supervisor’s vehicle was parked with its emergency safety lights activated when it was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, later identified as Brian Ayers, reportedly attempted to slow down but ended up veering into the construction area and colliding with the supervisor’s car.
The DOT worker experienced minor pain from the collision and was evaluated on the scene by emergency personnel; however, he did not require hospitalization. Ayers, a 46-year-old resident of New Haven, did not report any injuries. State police reported that he exhibited signs of intoxication, including a strong smell of alcohol and extreme unsteadiness on his feet.
Upon further inspection, state troopers found an open alcoholic beverage in Ayers’ vehicle. He subsequently failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on multiple charges, which include:
- Endangering highway workers
- Driving under the influence in a construction zone
- Reckless endangerment
- Failure to maintain proper lane
Ayers was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 31. The Connecticut State Police responded promptly to the scene and had personnel assigned to the construction project during the time of the collision.
This incident is significant as it highlights ongoing concerns around safety in construction zones. So far this year, there have been 33 reported incidents in Connecticut where construction workers were struck while working in these areas. The frequency of such incidents raises awareness about the necessity for heightened driver vigilance in active construction zones, especially during the summer months when construction work becomes more prevalent.
Officials continue to urge drivers to be cautious and adhere to all safety guidelines when approaching and navigating through construction zones. The increased presence of construction workers on roads during this season serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by distracted or impaired driving.
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Additional Resources
- Fox61 News
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone Safety
- WFSB News
- Google Search: CT DOT accidents
- CT Post
- Google Scholar: Construction Worker Safety
- New Haven Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Zone Safety Measures
- JSONline News
- Google News: Worker Accidents Construction Zones
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
