Split-Second Decision Saves ITD Worker From Potentially Fatal Crash

Marklyn Stevens wasn’t supposed to have a welcome-to-the-job moment like this. After just days on the job as a senior transportation technician, the Idaho Transportation Department employee found himself making a split-second decision that likely saved his life.

According to Stevens, an SUV left the live traffic lane and entered the work zone where crews had excavated part of the roadway for repairs.

A Construction Zone, An 18-Inch Drop, And Headlights Coming Fast

Stevens told me the crew had an approximately 18-inch excavation cut into the roadway. He was standing a foot or two from that cut when he heard the first signs of trouble.

He described hearing metal scraping against asphalt and cones being hit or moved. He looked to his right and saw headlights bearing down on him.

That’s when he realized he had only two options.

The Split-Second Choice: Jump… Or Go Flat

Stevens said he had to make an instant decision. He could either jump forward and hope he could clear the vehicle, or drop backward and lie flat, hoping the SUV would pass over him.

‘I had a choice to either go forward… or throw myself back… and lay it flat and hope I can go underneath the car,’ Stevens explained.

In an instant, he chose option two. He dropped onto the edge of the cut and lay flat as the SUV went over him.

The Only ‘Injury’ Was His Pocket

While the vehicle didn’t appear to touch him directly, it did make contact with his clothing.

‘It ripped my chest-pocket off,’ he told me.

Other than that, he said he was uninjured.

After checking to make sure the driver was okay, he had coworkers look him over to confirm he wasn’t hurt.

His Message For Drivers: Eyes Up And ‘Watch Your Pockets’

Stevens didn’t comment on accident specifics and referred me to law enforcement for more details. But he was crystal clear about what he hopes people take away from the incident.

Stay focused. Follow the laws. Be aware.

Stevens said he’s always believed in keeping your ears open and your head on a swivel when working on a job site. After this close call, he joked he’s adding one more line to that advice: ‘Watch your pockets.’

Why Work Zones Still Catch People Off Guard

Construction zones can feel ‘normal’ for commuters who drive the same routes every day. It’s not unusual for people to go into autopilot. Stevens agreed that familiarity can be a factor. However, work zones are never routine for the people standing in them.