A 43-year-old man was killed Monday afternoon after being struck by a reversing dump truck in a highway work zone on Interstate 81 in Washington County, Virginia.
According to Virginia State Police, the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on the northbound side of I-81 near the 30-mile marker. James Nunley Jr., of Marion, was part of a road crew performing shoulder maintenance when he was run over by a dump truck. The truck was reversing on the right shoulder at the time. Nunley died at the scene. The driver was not injured, and the crash remains under investigation.
Whenever I see a report of a fatal incident in a construction zone involving a commercial vehicle, I think about how structured those environments are supposed to be—and how much depends on communication, visibility, and attentiveness. In my experience, the only way to determine what went wrong is through a detailed and deliberate investigation.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Contributed to the Driver’s Actions?
Reversing a large vehicle like a dump truck on the shoulder of a busy interstate requires a high level of awareness. Even in a controlled work zone, distraction or fatigue can prevent a driver from noticing someone nearby. Investigators will need to determine whether the driver was focused and alert at the time of the incident, or if a lapse in concentration contributed to the failure to detect a crew member in the truck’s path.
Reviewing the driver’s work schedule, break periods, and any communication logs between crew members could help clarify whether fatigue or inattentiveness played a role.
Were Worksite Safety Procedures Being Followed?
In most highway construction zones, there are protocols in place to manage vehicle movement, especially when trucks are reversing. Investigators should examine whether spotters were in place, whether the driver had assistance while backing up, and whether the truck’s reverse warning systems were working. They should also determine whether crew members had high-visibility gear and if designated safe zones were clearly established and maintained on-site. If procedures were overlooked or not enforced, that could point to systemic safety issues rather than a single misstep.
What Evidence Should Be Considered?
To understand what led to this fatal incident, investigators should collect scene photographs, vehicle positions, worksite layouts, and any available dash or surveillance footage from the area. Statements from other crew members will also be important to clarify how the truck was maneuvered and what visibility the driver had. The truck itself should also be inspected to ensure its mirrors, alarms, and other safety systems were functional.
Why Ask These Questions?
In a work zone, incidents like this raise difficult but necessary questions. From my experience, a complete investigation is the only way to identify what led to the impact—whether it was a procedural failure, equipment issue, or moment of inattention. That’s how the full story is uncovered and how the right steps can be taken to get answers for those affected by the incident.