August 2007

CENTRAL OFFICE TECHNICIAN VEHICLE COLLISION

On July 16, 2007, a Central Office technician with over 40 years of service was driving south toward a “T” uncontrolled intersection. As the employee was preparing to make a left in the company vehicle (Dodge Neon), he was struck on the driver’s side by a Dodge Durango. Emergency responders had to use the Jaws of Life to remove the door and cut the vehicle’s seat beat in order to get the employee out.

The employee sustained a punctured left lung, fractured ribs, fractured pelvis and lacerations to his head and forearm.

The employee continues to show signs of improvement and recovery in the hospital and is expected to begin physical therapy in the next coming weeks.

Contributing Causes

Ø Uncontrolled “T” intersection

Desired Safe Behavior to Prevent Reoccurrence

Ø Look left-right-left prior to entering intersection;

Ø At the uncontrolled intersections make a complete stop and inch forward;

Ø Attention/awareness of potential action(s) of other driver