Caltrans Makes Urgent Call for Increased Driver Safety Awareness After Recent Highway Worker Fatalities

Six Highway Workers Killed in Active Work Zones Since August 10

Contact: Edward Barrera

What you need to know: Caltrans is asking California drivers to Slow for the Cone Zone, Move Over and drive without distraction or impairment in work zones throughout the state.Since August 10, six contractor employees working on Caltrans highway projects have been struck and killed across California.

Sacramento - Caltrans and its partners held a press conference today to urge drivers to slow down and drive safely through work zones, highlighting that it is a matter of life and death. Since August 10, six highway workers in work zones have been killed, including three in one incident on September 25 in Riverside County.

Caltrans is urging drivers to slow down and "Be Work Zone Alert." California's Move Over law requires drivers approaching stopped vehicles displaying flashing warning lights or other warning devices to move over a lane when safe to do so, or slow down to a safe speed if they cannot safely change lanes. Drivers should avoid distractions and never drive impaired.

"Behind every cone, every flashing light, every worker in a vest is a person doing a critical job in dangerous conditions," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "We are asking every driver in California to slow down, move over, remove any distractions and give crews the space and attention they deserve. It costs a driver seconds but means everything to the people in our work zones."

Driving is a privilege, and every driver has a responsibility to help keep the people working on our highways safe.

Distracted, impaired, and inattentive driving is a major contributing factor to worker fatalities on California roadways, emphasizing the need for motorists to exhibit hypervigilance when navigating active work zones. Obeying all traffic laws, slowing down in work zones and driving with maximum attentiveness improves safety for everyone and shows respect for roadside workers that put their lives at risk every day to improve the transportation infrastructure.

"Whether they are Caltrans workers, contractors or anyone who works on the state's transportation system, they deserve attention from all travelers driving through work zones," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. "Safer driving habits can mean the difference between a family greeting their loved one at the end of a workday or never seeing them again."

The safety of its workers and the traveling public is always Caltrans' top priority. Following the tragic incident in Riverside County that claimed the lives of three contractors in late September, the department called for an immediate "safety stand-down" and directed all Caltrans construction teams and contracted partners to review roadside safety protocols.

The department is also establishing an executive level safety committee with industry partners to emphasize the shared safety responsibilities on a construction site, propose and investigate opportunities to employ new technology and safety devices in work zones, and review current standards to see where Caltrans contracts can be modified to require additional safety efforts.   

Caltrans implores drivers to use specific safety precautions near work zones.

• Be "Work Zone Alert." Awareness of any area of highway or roadway with construction, maintenance or utility work activities, typically marked by cones, barrels, channeling devices, barriers, pavement marking or signs is vitally important. Please use caution and maintain safe driving practices to help keep you and the workers safe.

• Obey the new, more stringent "Move Over" law. This requires drivers to move over a lane, if safe to do so, or slow down when passing vehicles with flashing amber lights. Since Jan. 1, all drivers must use these rules near any stationary vehicle, such as marked Caltrans vehicles with flashing amber lights, emergency vehicles and tow trucks.

• Avoid driving with impairment or inattention. Avoid changing radio stations or using mobile phones while driving in a work zone. And please do not drive with alcohol or drugs in your system.

• Slow down. Reducing vehicle speed is important because it allows drivers more time to react to unexpected changes or hazards. Reduced speeds also protect workers who are often performing tasks in close proximity to moving traffic.

For more information on safe driving in and near work zones, please visit BeWorkZoneAlert and GoSafelyCA.

For media members who could not attend today's press conference, the full event along with related digital content can be viewed here: Caltrans Highway Safety Press Conference.

Caltrans Highway Safety Press Conference 10-08-2026