The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) observed Highway Worker Memorial Day April 19 with a moving ceremony remembering employees who have lost their lives while on the job.

Since 1924, 166 Caltrans workers have died. Most of these workers were struck while on the job by reckless or inattentive drivers traveling through work zones.

The ceremony was held at the Caltrans Los Angeles headquarters building. The event featured a dramatic display of 166 orange overalls with large name tags, one for each of the Caltrans highway workers killed while in the line of duty since 1924, when the department began keeping such records, as well as a photo display of accidents involving highway workers.

“We honor the 166 Caltrans employees who have made the greatest sacrifice of all, and we recognize the deep loss that their families and friends have endured,” said Raja Mitwasi, Caltrans chief deputy district director of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. “To them we offer our deepest sympathy.”

Each year Caltrans district offices throughout the state dedicate one day during the month of April to pay respects to their fellow workers who have lost their lives.

This year, Caltrans lost three more employees: Jackie Ray Aldridge of Tehachapi, Daniel Broeske of Willits and Sean Merriman of Gilroy.

“Since 1999, Caltrans has been asking California, when they see the orange safety cones, to take caution and slow down a bit, merge early, be prepared for sudden stops and avoid distractions, such as using a cell phone or changing the radio station. Recent statistics show that drivers are listening to our message, and slowing down when they approach a work zone,” added Dan Freeman, Caltrans deputy district director of maintenance.

Caltrans reported a 35.19 percent decrease in California highway work zone fatalities of motorists since the Slow for the Cone Zone campaign began, compared to 46 percent increase nationwide, excluding California.

Caltrans’ data also showed a 27 percent decrease in motorist injuries and 40 percent decrease in collisions by motorists in highway work zones.

“In spite of this decrease in accident statistics, we must not forget that highway work is dangerous. We must continue to improve safety, and keep our employees and motorists safe,” concluded Mitwasi.

Today's top stories

Growing Interest in Construction Careers Among Younger People Means Jobs Filled, Deadlines Met

Larry Young Paving Tackles Grade-Separated Interchange in Texas

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

FIRSTGREEN Industries Launches ROCKEAT Electric Skid Steer Loader

'Tiltrotator Effect' Increases as Energy Consumption Goes Down

VIDEO: Birmingham, Ala., Awarded $14.5M Fed Grant to Revitalize Its 'Black Main Street'

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project