Caltrans workers at risk of injury and death
As Caltrans commemorates the upcoming one-year anniversaries of
the deaths of three workers, it reminds drivers that slower is
better in highway work zones.
At this time last year, Caltrans worker Djuan Bush lost his life
on the job due to a reckless driver in a California highway work
zone. On November 28, 2007, John Knabenbauer was killed while
working in a highway work zone as well. And still another life,
Matthew White’s, was taken as he worked to repair California’s
highway system on December 14, 2007.
Caltrans workers at risk of injury and death
As Caltrans commemorates the upcoming one-year anniversaries of the deaths of three workers, it reminds drivers that slower is better in highway work zones.
At this time last year, Caltrans worker Djuan Bush lost his life on the job due to a reckless driver in a California highway work zone. On November 28, 2007, John Knabenbauer was killed while working in a highway work zone as well. And still another life, Matthew White’s, was taken as he worked to repair California’s highway system on December 14, 2007.
As the one year anniversaries of these men’s deaths approach and their families are still struggling with thoughts that these incidents could have been avoided, please remember that the men and women who work in cone zones are making road conditions safer for California drivers – and they are putting their own lives on the line while they do it.
Orange cones signal road work. Drivers should proceed with caution wherever a highway is abundantly stocked with bright orange cones, and keep an extra close watch for highway workers donning Caltrans vests and construction gear.
What most California drivers don’t think about, however, is that in addition to the risks Caltrans workers face each day as they go to work, drivers are at an even higher risk of injury or death due to reckless driving in work zones. In fact, 85 percent of people killed in work zones are drivers or passengers, not highway workers. Additionally, the most common incident in a cone zone is a rear-end collision – which can result in both injury and expensive repairs for drivers.
“Caltrans workers face extreme dangers on the job, but they also witness many car collisions and injuries among drivers. It’s something they face every day, and it’s traumatic that unsafe driving in cone zones has resulted in many lost lives,” said Caltrans Assistant Deputy Director, Tamie McGowen. “Caltrans cannot stress enough how important safe driving is in these areas, for both our workers, and the residents of California.”
Tips on staying safe in the Cone Zone:
– Be aware. Always pay attention to signs or cones on the highway indicating road work is taking place.
– Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. That way, if the driver ahead stops abruptly, the space between vehicles can prevent a rear-end collision.
– Minimize distractions: don’t text message, talk on your cell phone, eat, drink or engage in any other activity that requires you to take your attention off the road.
– Be patient, and slow down. Arriving quickly to your destination is not worth causing an injury or death.
– Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the equipment and workers on the road. They need space to do their job, and if you get too close, someone may get hurt. Change lanes as necessary to allow ample space for workers in the cone zone.
The Slow for the Cone Zone campaign has been educating California drivers about the importance of highway safety since 1999. Funding for the Slow for the Cone Zone public education program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
