Over the next several years, an additional 108 bridges and overpasses in Ohio will receive fencing as a result of the rock-throwing incident involving a a middle school language arts teacher from Uniontown.
"It does put me at ease," said Sharon Budd, who was severely injured and whose husband spear-headed the statewide change.
"It’s done," said Randy Budd, Sharon's husband. "We won. We got it done.”
Randy Budd, Sharon Budd's husband, told newsnet5.com quick action from Ohio Senator Scott Oelslager and the Ohio Department of Transportation helped in an effort to honor Sharon's courageous fight. Sharon had seven surgeries after a rock that crashed through the front windshield of her car destroyed much of her skull, part of her brain and one eye. She and her husband were passengers as their daughter drove them through Pennsylvania, on their way to see a show in New York, when the attack occurred.
"Moving forward, hopefully somebody doesn’t have to go through what we have to go through,” added Randy.
"This will certainly make the traveling public in Ohio feel safer hopefully, and it will be safer,” said Senator Oelslager.
Randy Budd said Oelslager was a determined partner with the Budds in leading the way for change and to protect Ohioans from the same kind of injury or death in the future. He said the change is a way 'to turn the Budd's challenging and life-changing incident into something positive that will hopefully benefit and protect Ohio citizens for years to come.'
Through Senator Oelslager's efforts and a constant push and support from #BuddStrong supporters, the Ohio Department of Transportation said protective fencing will be a part of all new ODOT bridges and bridges that are renovated in Ohio. The senator was able to use his experience and influence with the leadership at the Ohio Department of Transportation to adopt the proposed "Budd Bridge Fencing" initiative. And, the new rules are already in effect as of Jan. 1.
"Sharon and I decided to share our story and experience in order to protect other Ohioans from the same type of harm," Randy Budd said.
The rule change comes at a minimal cost to taxpayers. ODOT said that out of nearly 3,800 bridges in the state, 921 have protective fencing.
Randy said he plans to push for protective fencing on more bridges in Pennsylvania next. Pennsylvania is where Sharon was injured.
---
Follow Kristin Volk on Facebookand Twitter
Download the newsnet5 app:
