Orange Lives Matter rally in Montpelier
Vermont flaggers call for change
Vermont flaggers call for change
Vermont flaggers call for change
An Orange Lives Matter rally took over the Statehouse staircase Saturday morning.
Dozens gathered in the wake of a number of traffic guard deaths at the hands of distracted drivers.
The event was put together by Jillian King and Mike Messier.
"We're doing this so our children and our family won't have to lose anymore," said King.
Several flaggers and construction workers were in attendance. Many held signs to remember friends and co-workers who died while working.
The rally was a call to action for legislators to step up to keep roadside workers safe.
"I said, 'How can I continue in this industry without making a change or being a part of a change?" King said.
State Rep. Brian Smith was also in attendance to discuss a bill he will propose in January.
Smith's bill will fine distracted drivers $250 fine and put four points on their driving records for first offenders.
$250 fine and five points, for second offenders and $5oo fine and ten points, in the event of an accident due to distracted driving.
"Three people die every day across this country just doing their job," said Messier.
This rally comes weeks after the death of a James P. Alger, a flagger who passed away at the hands of a driver.