SLATER CALLS FOR WORK ZONE SAFETY ACTION

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) spoke on the Assembly floor in support of Work Zone Awareness Week. While speaking on the resolution, he took time to honor and remember Jake Arcara of Yorktown, whose life was tragically lost in a work zone incident.

Work Zone Awareness Week serves as a reminder to recognize the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our roads moving and infrastructure safe. In New York state alone, approximately 450 work zone intrusions occurred just last year. That resulted in more than 150 injuries and four fatalities. And already this year, incidents are continuing at the same troubling pace.

“These are not just numbers, they are lives that are disrupted, families that are changed forever and communities that are left grieving. And for me, this hits especially close to home because of the death of Jake Arcara,” said Slater. “His loss is a heartbreaking reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family member and a future that is taken too soon.”

As part of his continued efforts to improve work zone safety, Slater is sponsoring legislation (A.6519), known as Jake’s Law, to allow the town of Yorktown to install temporary speed cameras in work zones. The bill would expand the state’s existing work zone speed camera program to municipal roadways, helping deter dangerous driving behaviors in areas where workers are most vulnerable.

“The overwhelming majority of these incidents are preventable, Slater added. “They’re caused by speeding, distraction or simply failing to slow down or move over. So, as we recognize Work Zone Awareness Week, let’s recommit ourselves not just in words but in action to protect those who are working on our roads just feet from moving traffic. No one should lose their life doing their job on the side of the road, and no family should have to endure the kind of loss that Jake Arcara's family has experienced.”

Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli said, “On behalf of myself and all of Jake’s highway family, we are extremely grateful to Assemblyman Matt Slater for passing this resolution and for the law that dedicates a part of Route 118 in Yorktown to honor Jake. We strive to keep Jake’s memory alive in perpetuity and feel this will be instrumental in achieving that goal.”

Nick DeVito, Highway Superintendent of Somers, said, “Losing Jake was a terrible tragedy.  Such an avoidable and unnecessary accident that his family and friends have to deal with on a daily basis. Please show respect for the men and women who maintain our roadways when you are driving.  They are doing a necessary job and have the right to go home to their loved ones at the end of the day, just like you!  Next time you travel through a work zone, think of Jake, and remember to exercise caution and common sense.”

Mike Stern, Highway Superintendent of Carmel, said, “The loss of Jake Arcara was an absolute tragedy and a wake-up call for all road workers. Every measure should be taken to keep our workers safe, and we must do everything possible to raise awareness for the men and women operating in our work zones. Safety is no Accident.”

Kent Highway Superintendent Richard Othmer said, “Please get off your phones, quit texting, and lower the music while you are driving!”

As the week continues, Slater is calling on all New Yorkers to remember Jake Arcara and the countless workers like him who put their lives on the line every day. “The best way we can honor Jake’s memory,” Slater said, “is by changing our behavior behind the wheel and making sure every worker makes it home safely.”