Caltrans Reminds Drivers to Move Over
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) put out a press release last month discussing efforts to safeguard roadside freeway crews throughout this holiday season and beyond. Highway work is one of the most hazardous jobs in California. In October 2020, Caltrans suffered two employee work zone fatalities. In response to those tragedies, the agency launched its yearly “Move Over” campaign, which is meant to raise awareness about the safety concerns that roadside workers face in California, and highlight drivers’ responsibilities to reduce the number of tragic incidents.
Move Over – It’s the Law
You may not be aware, but California has a “Move Over” law that says all vehicle operators must move over one lane if it is safe, or reduce their speed when they see the flashing amber lights of a Caltrans crew. Such lights are installed not only on Caltrans equipment, but also on tow trucks, and emergency vehicles. All 50 states have passed similar laws, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it is estimated that a whopping 70 percent of Americans are unaware of the laws and their requirements. In California, failing to follow the “Move Over” law may result in monetary fines and points on your DMV record.
The purpose of the Move Over campaign, which is part of Caltrans’ “Be Work Zone Alert” safety project, is to increase public awareness of the law. The campaign includes billboards and announcements on television, radio, and social media platforms. The promotion features children and grandchildren of Caltrans employees issuing reminders to drivers to be attentive, reduce speed, and move over.
A Dangerous Profession
Anyone who has had their vehicle break down on the highway, and been left stranded on the shoulder while traffic zips by can understand how unnerving and dangerous being that close to fast-moving vehicles can be. Caltrans road workers face that danger every workday.
The number of Caltrans employees that have been killed while working on the roads is currently 189. The largest safety threat continues to be drivers who are not being cautious within work zones. Motorists who are driving too close to a work zone, driving while distracted, or driving too fast near a work area create dangerous situations for work crews. Those behaviors can also be hazardous to motorists. Last year, over 7,000 collisions occurred in California highway work zones, which resulted in 53 deaths and more than 3,200 injuries. Throughout the country, motorists make up 85% of those killed in work zone accidents.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below shows viewers the dangers Caltrans workers face on the roads.
Drive Cautiously to Protect Highway Workers
Caltrans employees and road work contractors labor throughout the year to maintain our roads and bridges in order to provide safe travel experiences for all Californians. It is crucial that motorists drive cautiously and attentively through work zones. A moment of distraction can result in a fatality. Road workers deserve protection and to have safe places to work. They want to get home to their families at that end of their shifts, just like the rest of us.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
Hello. Thanks for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death lawyer in Sacramento, California. The grief of losing a beloved family member can be compounded when the death is caused by another party’s negligence. Families may feel conflicted when contemplating a lawsuit for the death of a loved one. An experienced injury lawyer can help explain the process and help you understand how such legal action can help to relieve the financial burdens caused by the event. We are always willing to offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice if you call us at (916) 921-6400 or via our toll-free number: (800) 404-5400. Alternatively, we can be reached through our online contact form.
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