Dear Shipbuilders,
Our highest priority for everyone who comes to work at Newport News Shipbuilding is that you go home at the end of the day the same way you came in – safe and healthy. That did not happen today for one of our subcontractors. At approximately 6:30 this morning, our fellow shipbuilder was struck by a car as she was crossing the street, in the crosswalk, at Washington Avenue and 46th Street. She was seriously injured and taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center. Please join me in keeping her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are cooperating with the Newport News Police Department, who is leading the accident investigation, and we have confirmed that the driver of the vehicle is not an employee. While it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause while the investigation is ongoing, there are some general safety reminders we can all recommit to in light of this morning’s terrible accident.

For Drivers:

• Watch out for pedestrians, especially around shift change.
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Obey all speed limits, and use extra caution at night and during inclement weather.
• Per Virginia law, put your phone down while driving.

For Pedestrians:

• Wear reflective clothing to be better seen.
• Always use crosswalks.
• Do not step into the street until you are certain oncoming traffic is going to stop.

Today is a solemn reminder that it only takes an instant for tragedy to occur. Please join me in taking a moment to reflect on why having a safety-first mentality is so important in everything we do.

Respectfully,
Jennifer Boykin
President
Newport News Shipbuilding