Georgia: HERO death "profound loss" to DOT family

Georgia's Department of Transportation commissioner is speaking out for the first time about the death of HERO Operator Moses King. "This sad occasion is a profound loss to the Georgia DOT family, to the Atlanta region and the emergency response communities who place themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure the traveling public’s safety," Commissioner Russell McMurry said. "Moses King was committed to making a difference on our roadways and in the lives of those who travel those roadways."

Following an accident on Interstate 75 back on August 1, 2015, King was struck by an alleged drunk driver while setting out road flares. The driver, 25-year-old Lindsay Clark, was taken into custody and faced with several traffic violations including: Driving under the influence, Reckless driving and Serious injury by vehicle.

King joined the Georgia DOT in September of 2014 as a HERO trainee. He was promoted to HERO Operator in January of 2015. Since King's accident, two other HERO operators have been injured. McMurry said both individuals are "recovering well and improving each day."

To conclude his statement, McMurry asked drivers to always be responsible while behind the wheel. As we mourn the loss of the very vital life of Moses King—I would be remiss to not plead with motorists to take responsibility for YOUR driving behavior. Please make it your obligation, your duty, your commitment and your way of life to Drive Alert.By doing so, --- I know that we will save lives and reduce the number of fatalities and work zone crashes.

The Georgia DOT Transportation Management Center (TMC) dispatches HEROs to traffic-related incidents around Atlanta's more high-trafficked areas to offer assistance to motorists and law-enforcement.