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Woman shares husband's story with lawmakers in D.C.

Posted at 3:29 PM, Apr 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-20 18:14:54-04

A Calumet County Woman returned home recently from Washington, D.C., after sharing her story with lawmakers, hoping to make a difference and save a life. 

Karen Buckhalter's husband, Derrick, was killed in April 2015. He was hit on the side of the road while driving a street sweeper.

Now, she's sharing his story to make sure it doesn't happen again. 

Earlier this month, during National Work Zone Awareness Week, she went to D.C. and met with Congressman Mike Gallagher. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, as well as agencies like OSHA and the Chemical Safety Board.

She wanted them to have a personal story and a face to think about when they vote on legislation that could impact workers, just like her husband. 

“A lot of people work for really great companies that are really doing their best, but we can really learn from accidents and hopefully no family would ever have to get that call again,” said Karen Buckhalter.

She said she wants everyone to take her message to heart -- don't drive distracted, and move over when you see highway workers.