PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety (PBPWS) approved the request made by Jo Whitesell Fisher of the Benjamin JW Fisher Memorial Foundation to promote Work Zone Awareness Safety during the month of April. April 17 to 21 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. Jo lost her son Ben to a tragic accident while he was working in a Work Zone.
Fisher will be placing awareness signage and / or ribbons on poles and trees.
A banner will be prominently displayed across SR 17 and Michigan St. with bold letters: “Lives are lost when you don’t move over!” and an image of Ben with other notable information.
A flag will be flown in downtown Plymouth and in the park. The bottom of the flag pole bears the foundation logo and family motto, which is trademarked: #IAMMYBROTHERSKEEPER.
Street Department Superintendent Jimmy Marquardt confirmed that he has been in discussion with Fisher about the logistics.
The Plymouth Common Council also approved Fisher’s application for exemption for the licensing requirements of Ordinance No. 1309 to distribute Work Zone Awareness wristbands at the intersection of Jefferson St. and Michigan St. Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15. In the event of inclement weather, the Benjamin JW Fisher Memorial Foundation will promote awareness on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. Cones will be set up and volunteers will be wearing Class III Safety Vests or identifiable shirts.
Fisher said, “A lot of people don’t realize when a vehicle is pulled over – regardless of what it is – it becomes a Work Zone. That’s what we’re trying to do is bring the awareness out – anybody pulled over on the road – it’s a Work Zone.” She said that if someone’s lights are blinking, or someone is pulled over on the side of the road – no matter who it is – that area is a Work Zone; safety precautions need taken.
Donations will be accepted but her main goal is to spread awareness.
Fisher is also working with Senator Braun on introducing an all-inclusive law that will include all 50 states on Road Safety and Work Zone Awareness. In a follow-up interview Fisher said, “I feel we drive more than just our state so the laws should be the exact same so we don’t have to worry about them changing from state to state.” She noted that the law would increase accountability. For the past three years she has been conducting nationwide research and interviewing people to gather data.
Fisher’s ultimate goal is to make April National Work Zone Awareness Month. She hopes to achieve that goal for 2024.
