Widow urges distracted-driving caution as committee proclaims National Work Zone Awareness Week

Lorraine Chidester told the Kane County Transportation Committee on April 15 that her husband, Steve Chidester, died in a work-zone crash and urged motorists to "slow down like someone's life depends on it." Chidester said she has lived with the aftermath since the May 19, 2016 crash and called on residents to take distracted-driving seriously.

"When you get in a car, you are responsible not only for yourself, but others around you," Chidester said during the public-comment portion of the meeting. She described the physical and emotional toll her family has endured and cited an Illinois Senate resolution that commemorated her husband—s life and service as a county highway maintainer.

After Chidester—s remarks, committee members moved to declare National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21-25). Committee member Roth made the motion; a roll-call vote was taken and the proclamation was adopted. Mike Way, KDOT maintenance, noted staff—s ongoing focus on safety and described the department—s annual "adopt-a-highway" cleanup in remembrance of Chidester.

Why it matters

KDOT staff said work-zone safety is treated year-round, not only during a single awareness week, and noted changing driving behaviors including more aggressive passing and shoulder use since the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee—s proclamation is intended to highlight training and remembrance events during the week of April 21-25 and to encourage motorists to heed warning signs and reduce distractions.

Ending

Chidester urged motorists to leave phones in trunks and choose defensive driving. The committee adopted the proclamation and asked staff to continue outreach and awareness activities tied to work-zone safety.