Channel 11 gets highway flagger's perspective on dangers

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. — What's it like to work in a work zone?  Channel 11 found out firsthand the dangers workers face.

PennDOT invited Channel 11 reporter Joe Holden to get a highway flagger's perspective to increase awareness of work zone safety.

People in Pennsylvania work zones face the possibility of being seriously injured, even killed.

Worker Shawn Abraham from Jeannette knows the dangers.

"The main thing you're seeing is a lot of texting going on," said Abraham.

PennDOT wants drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

"We got people working within inches of these moving cars, and thousands of pounds of car moving at 35 mph, flesh and bone can't compare to that.  If they get hit, they take a hit," said Jay Ofsanik of PennDOT.

Abraham told Holden he doesn't think much about the dangers.

"We're doing it for you, making the road safer for you, and if you have a little patience and understanding, everything will go just fine," he said.

WPXI