Minnesota Woman Advocates for Stricter Penalties After Husband’s Death in Road Work Zone Incident

A Minnesota woman is spearheading a campaign to increase penalties for drivers who endanger or harm road workers after her husband, Joe Norgaard, was fatally struck by a driver even as surveying a highway in New Market Township last fall. The driver received a citation for careless driving, a penalty Courtney Norgaard, Joe’s life partner and the mother of his two children, deems insufficient.

The Incident and Current Penalties

Joe Norgaard was surveying a rural stretch of highway when he was hit and killed by a driver. Following a thorough investigation by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the driver received a $100 citation for careless driving. The investigation found no evidence of impairment or distraction, and the driver cooperated with authorities. Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen stated that deputies conducted a “thorough and comprehensive investigation.”

Frustration with the Legal Outcome

Courtney Norgaard expressed her dismay with the outcome, stating, “They inform you sit back, just wait, we are doing an investigation, you think the system is going to do its job and sometimes it just doesn’t.” She was unable to address the driver directly in court and feels the current legal framework fails to deliver adequate justice for such incidents. Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar acknowledged the family’s frustration, stating, “I certainly understand their frustration. If it was one of my family members, I wouldn’t think that’s acceptable either.”

Legal Constraints and the Push for Change

Hocevar explained that his office is bound by Minnesota law and can only pursue charges supported by evidence. He emphasized the ethical obligation to both victims and defendants to ensure charges are provable in court. Norgaard believes “the language of the law is not adequate” and is now actively reaching out to lawmakers to advocate for harsher penalties for drivers who put road workers at risk. She hopes to create positive change for other families who may experience similar tragedies.

Ongoing Efforts

Courtney Norgaard’s efforts to raise awareness and push for legislative changes are gaining attention, as highlighted by CBS News and CBS Minnesota’s Facebook page.