Last Updated on November 2, 2017 by CCAR Staff
Two Caltrans workers are recovering after their work truck was rear-ended by a distracted driver as they worked on the 10 Freeway near Mountain Avenue in Upland, Caltrans officials said Thursday.
“They are doing better but they’re not back to work yet,” said Terri Kasinga, spokeswoman for Caltrans, adding: “They will need some time yet.”
Around 2 p.m. Halloween afternoon, two unidentified workers were clearing barriers along the eastbound lanes of the 10 Freeway near Mountain Avenue when a driver in a large work truck ran into the rear of the Caltrans vehicle, sending it 15 feet into one highway worker, Kasinga said. The second worker was hurt when a second vehicle spun out.
Paramedics took the workers to the hospital; they have been subsequently released, she said. The driver of the other vehicle did not request medical treatment.
According to Caltrans information, the driver admitted to being distracted when the crash took place; however they didn’t have any information on whether the driver had been arrested or cited.
Although in this instance Caltrans workers were injured, Kasinga said in 85 percent of traffic crashes where there are injuries or fatalities, it’s usually the driver of the other vehicle and not the highway workers who are affected.
With Daylight Saving Time coming to an end Sunday, it will be darker earlier in the evening and authorities want motorists to be more cautious behind the wheel.
The top three causes of crashes in the United States are distracted driving, speeding and driving while under the influence, according to the Office of Traffic Safety.
“We want people to be aware of this and to put down the phone or anything else in their vehicle which could distract them and keep from driving safely,” Kasinga said.
