Countywide : Safe Driving Urged at Freeway Projects
Caltrans officials this week unveiled a billboard campaign warning drivers that highway crews will be working on extensive freeway widenings in Orange County during the next few years.
During a ceremony this week, a billboard was unveiled near John Wayne Airport that contains a photograph of a highway crew at work with the slogan, “Give ‘em a brake.”
About 500 of the billboards will be installed around the state this year, donated by a Los Angeles billboard advertising firm. About 300 of the billboards will be in Southern California. Officials said they did not know how many will appear in Orange County.
Since 1972, 45 Caltrans workers have been killed on the job, even though they wore bright orange vests to be more visible. “Highway work zones are dangerous places,” said Caltrans Director Robert K. Best.
Caltrans officials said they hope that the billboard campaign will persuade drivers to reduce speeds and maneuver carefully around work crews on the Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and San Diego freeway widening projects.
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