The Scorpion trailer. Photo courtesy O’Keeffe PR on behalf of the village of Batavia.
BATAVIA, Ohio – The Village of Batavia is taking a bold step towards enhancing worker and public safety with the recent addition of a Scorpion attenuator trailer to its public works fleet. This advanced piece of safety equipment is designed to protect road crews from high-speed traffic while working along State Route 32 and other heavily traveled roads that run through the village.
The Scorpion trailer is a crash-attenuation device that attaches to work vehicles and is engineered to absorb and redirect the force of a collision. In the event of a crash, the trailer collapses in a controlled manner, significantly reducing the potential for injury to workers and drivers alike. As drivers approach the trailer, they will notice a sign with an arrow alerting them of workers present and to move over in the direction of the arrow.
“This is simply a life-saving investment,” said Village of Batavia Mayor Scott Runck. “We’re committed to protecting the lives of those who maintain and improve our village every day, especially on roads where high-speed traffic and narrow shoulders increase risk.”
Batavia stands out as one of the few—if not the only—municipalities in Clermont County currently utilizing this type of advanced safety equipment. The purchase was driven by the growing need for village crews to perform routine maintenance along high-speed corridors, particularly State Route 32.
Traffic volumes on State Route 32 continue to rise each year, and projections estimate that by 2030, nearly 79,000 vehicles will travel the corridor daily. That increasing traffic density underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect both workers and drivers in active work zones.
“This was a decision and purchase we did not hesitate to make,” Runck continued. “Public safety is a top priority, and this is part of a larger effort to invest in infrastructure and improve the overall quality of life for both our residents and workforce.”
The Scorpion trailer has already been in service for approximately six months and will continue to be used throughout the year for road repairs, ditch maintenance, and other essential infrastructure projects. Its presence provides a safer working environment for employees while also offering added protection for motorists traveling through active work zones.
As the Village continues to expand its efforts in roadway maintenance and public works, investments like this reflect a broader commitment to safety, efficiency and responsible governance.
For more information on Batavia’s infrastructure upgrades and safety initiatives, visit www.bataviaoh.gov.
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