District 11

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2008

Contact: Public Information Officer Ed Cartagena Phone: (619) 688-6670

Caltrans Pays Tribute to Fallen Workers at Memorial Event

SAN DIEGO –Employees from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) gathered today to commemorate California Highway Workers' Memorial Day. Caltrans honored the 170 men and women who have been killed in the line of duty since 1924.

The names of the fallen co-workers were read and honored with a moment of silence. A memorial display made up of 170 orange highway cones signified each of the Caltrans workers killed statewide. Regrettably, this year’s tribute included the addition of three cones representing the most recent losses to the Caltrans Family -- Djuan Bush, John Knabenbauer and Matthew White all lost their lives while on the job this past year.

"Most of the deaths throughout the years were caused by negligent drivers traveling through construction zones," said Deputy District Director Mike McManus. "Highway workers place themselves in harm’s way every day in order to keep California moving. We ask for motorists to do their part and continue to practice safe driving habits while traveling on California's freeways."

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