BRUTUS, Emmet County, Mich., Sept. 17, 2026 — A construction zone worker was reportedly struck by a vehicle on Wednesday afternoon, September 16, on US-31 near Brutus Road, according to authorities. The driver did not stop and fled south on US-31, state troopers said.
Troopers from the Gaylord Post are investigating the crash, which reportedly happened around 2:25 p.m. near the intersection of US-31 and Brutus Road. Authorities said the vehicle involved is a black Chevrolet SSR driven by an unidentified older male.
The extent of the worker's injuries has not been released. Authorities have not said whether the worker was taken to a hospital.
Traffic in the area was being rerouted following the crash, with authorities warning of heavy delays. Drivers were asked to avoid the area while the investigation continued. The search for the driver and vehicle remains active, and no arrests have been announced as of this writing.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
A Common Misconception About Work Zone Crashes
Many drivers assume that construction zone crashes happen mostly because workers are careless or step into traffic unexpectedly. In practice, most crashes in and around work zones stem from driver behavior: distraction, speeding, or failing to notice reduced lanes and posted workers in time to react.
The bigger misconception may be that pedestrian-struck-by crashes are rare or freak events. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure includes people working in roadways, walking near travel lanes, or crossing at intersections, not just those on sidewalks far from moving vehicles.
Work zones add another layer because posted speed limits are often lower than what drivers are used to on the same stretch of road. A driver moving at normal highway speed through a reduced zone has less time to see and react to a person standing near the lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I witness a pedestrian struck by a vehicle?
Call 911 immediately, note the vehicle's direction of travel and any details you can safely observe (color, make, plate), and stay to speak with responding officers if it is safe to do so.
What injuries are common in pedestrian crashes like this one?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, with severity depending heavily on the vehicle's speed at impact.
How does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chances of survival?
Lower speeds give drivers more time to stop and reduce the force of any impact, which is why work zones and residential areas typically post reduced limits.
What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and reduced visibility are among the most frequently cited factors in these crashes.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Brutus, Michigan
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured person unless there is immediate danger. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation soon after the crash can catch internal injuries that are not immediately obvious.
Workers and bystanders should cooperate with responding troopers and provide any information they have about the vehicle or driver. If you were near the scene, jotting down what you saw as soon as possible can help investigators piece together what happened before memories fade.
