Safety Program Helps Save Lives

In the six years between 1978 and 1982, nine Caltrans maintenance workers lost their lives in traffic-related accidents. To help halt this tragic trend, Caltrans started a two-element program to revolutionize work rules and to make the public aware of the dangers to workers from traffic. The details of this program, “Give ’em a brake,” are described. The campaign featured donated billboard space, public service advertisements on public radio and television, presentations to driving classes, bumper stickers, and posters. Two years ago, Caltrans, as part of a collective bargaining agreement, agreed to renew the campaign, and the department asked for and received a $60,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration for the project. A fall campaign to publicize winter maintenance work and a spring program to advertise summer maintenance work are described.