Six highway construction workers have been struck and killed in California work zones since Aug. 10, including three in Riverside County last month, prompting Caltrans officials Thursday to call for greater driver awareness and announce additional safety measures.
The deaths involved contractor employees working on Caltrans highway projects, according to the agency, which joined transportation officials at a Sacramento news conference Thursday to urge motorists to slow down, move over and avoid distractions when approaching construction zones.
Three of the workers were killed in a single incident Sept. 25 in Riverside County, Caltrans said.
“Behind every cone, every flashing light, every worker in a vest is a person doing a critical job in dangerous conditions,” California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said. “We are asking every driver in California to slow down, move over, remove any distractions and give crews the space and attention they deserve.”
Following the Riverside County deaths, Caltrans ordered an immediate safety stand-down, directing construction teams and contractors to review roadside safety protocols.
The agency is also establishing an executive-level safety committee with industry partners to examine new safety technology, review existing standards and consider additional safety requirements in construction contracts.
California’s Move Over law requires motorists approaching stopped vehicles displaying flashing warning lights or other warning devices to change lanes when safe or slow to a safe speed when changing lanes is not possible.
Caltrans urged drivers to reduce speeds in work zones, avoid distractions and impaired driving, and remain alert for workers operating near moving traffic.