Family speaks out after worker killed

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - One day after an Indiana Department of Transportation worker was hit and killed by a car, family members and state officials are speaking out about work zone safety.

Authorities report Steven Overbay, 27, had been working with a crew cleaning up dirt and debris along U.S. 36 in Putnam County, when another man driving a Toyota Matrix apparently failed to stop for a flagger, swerved to avoid a car stopping in front of him and hit Mr. Overbay.

Speaking with News 10 on Tuesday, Mr. Overbay’s aunt Donna Whitmer remembered Mr. Overbay as a caring man and father.

“He loved people of all types and sorts,” Whitmer said. “He had two young girls who were ages four and five.”

Whitmer said that, through the years Overbay worked at INDOT, he often remarked on the driving of those passing through work zones.

“Steven had great concerns about the people and their erratic driving … through mowing zones and work zones,” Whitmer said, “He mentioned it several times before.”

It’s that erratic behavior that Whitmer would like to see change.

“I would beg people to pay attention and please slow down,” Whitmer said. “Make sure you’re watching the road and the surrounding when you’re going through those work zones so another family doesn’t have to lose their loved one.”

Meanwhile, INDOT officials say they encourage drivers to pay attention to signs in construction zones and put aside distracting devices like cell phones.

If you’d like to learn more about work zone safety, click here .