MEDFORD, Ore. — One driver in a hurry got an unpleasant surprise when he attempted to cut through the Table Rock Road reconstruction project last night, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Having successfully bypassed some orange cones and barrels, the driver's pickup truck managed to clear a gulf of missing pavement with his front tires, only to have the back end of his truck come crashing down into the gap—getting well and truly stuck.
"While no one was hurt, apparently—an impatient driver put himself and others at risk," said Gary Leaming, an ODOT spokesperson.
Leaming says that this is why work zone safety is important. Work crews can be put at risk by drivers who don't take warning signs seriously. However, Leaming says, the stats show that drivers are much more likely to be hurt in work zones than the contractors and inspectors.
"When the contractor has the road blocked with barrels and it's signed 'road closed,' it's usually a good idea to not drive through them and proceed," said John Vial with the Jackson County Roads & Parks departments.
NewsWatch 12's Emma Balkenbush will have more on this story Friday night at 5 and 6 p.m.
