On April 13, 2022, Bill Layton was working as a PennDOT flagger in an active construction zone on Rich Valley Road in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County. Dawson Smith drove through the work zone, in a pick up truck, and swerved into the on coming lane of travel, ignoring the clear construction cones. Smith struck Layton with his vehicle, causing Layton to be pushed onto the hood of his pick up truck and ultimately propelled onto a mail box.

         Layton suffered severe back injuries that required surgery and intensive rehabilitation. Smith fled the scene and did not render aid to Layton. Smith attempted to locate replacement parts to conceal damage to his truck. At the behest of his coworkers, after the incident was covered on the news, Smith ultimately gave the police a statement acknowledging his involvement in the crash.

         As a result of this incident, Layton is no longer able to work as a PennDOT flagger. Layton was affectionately called “the Energizer Bunny” by his friends prior to the crash because he was always on the go but is now unable to enjoy many of his hobbies. Layton’s daughter now assists him with travel to doctor’s appointments and everyday activities.

         Smith plead guilty to one count of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, While in an Active Work Zone; one count of Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury; one count of Duty of Driver in a Construction and Maintenance Area or on a Highway Safety Corridor and one count of Driving on Roadways Landed for Traffic. Smith was sentenced by Judge Jessica Brewbaker to 11 ½-23 months in Cumberland County Prison, followed by a consecutive period of 24 months probation, and the payment of costs and 100 hours of community service.

         This case was investigated by Silver Spring Township Police and prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Robinson. The Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank PennDOT and the colleagues of Mr. Layton for their continued support in this matter. In 2021, there were 1,650 work zone crashes. Mr. Layton was fortunate to survive this incident, please remember to exercise safe driving behavior in work zones.