Caltrans held its 28th annual Worker Memorial Ceremony Thursday morning at the District 5 headquarters in San Luis Obispo.
The event paid tribute to the 189 Caltrans employees who have lost their lives on California roadways since 1921.
Eight roses were placed on a memorial plaque to honor the eight workers killed in the line of duty on the Central Coast.
“It’s important to remember our colleagues who have lost their lives serving the people of California and to convey to our current employees that worker safety along the state highway system is our most important mission. We encourage the public to make wise decisions while driving to keep themselves and our highway workers safe,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins.
Caltrans says one of the biggest hazards for workers is motorists who don’t drive with caution through highway work zones. They remind everyone to ‘Be Work Zone Alert!
“A major contributing factor to accidents on the highway is distracted driving,” said Alfred Lange, Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor. “We would appreciate if the public would maintain an alertness for driving, stay off their cell phones and don’t drive distracted.”
California Highway Patrol Commander L.D. Maples and John Boys Towing Owner, John Coulter were this year’s featured speakers.
