Caltrans District 2 has introduced memorial signs at California state highway rest areas, honoring 15 workers who lost their lives on duty and promoting responsible driving. The J.C. Helmick (Interstate 5 – Tehama County) and Collier (Interstate 5 – Siskiyou County) Safety Roadside Rest Areas now feature these signs. Crafted by Caltrans employees, the signs also pay homage to the 191 highway workers who have perished since 1921. The annual gathering of Caltrans staff, families of fallen workers, and Californian community members serves to honor these workers and advocate safe driving practices.
Caltrans Director Tony Tavares stated that safety emerges as a paramount concern who urged Californians to slow down and exercise caution in work zones. Dave Moore, District 2 Director, emphasized the importance of these signs as reminders to prevent further tragedies by driving cautiously around highway crews.
Caltrans has garnered increased funds from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs of 2021 and Senate Bill 1, enhancing California’s transportation maintenance capacity. Due to the hazardous nature of highway work, vigilance is crucial for drivers in work zones. In 2021, California saw over 9,500 work zone collisions, resulting in 2,971 injuries and 73 fatalities.
In 2022, Caltrans embraced a new Road Safety Policy, aligning with the Safe System approach, striving for zero highway fatalities and injuries by 2050.
