Caltrans workers killed in the line of duty were honored at the state capitol today (Thursday, 4.16).  Officials used the occasion to remind drivers to slow down in road construction zones.
(sound of bagpipes)
 
A bagpiper opened the ceremony that honored the more than 170 Caltrans workers who’ve been killed on the job since 1924.    Last year one worker was killed, compared to three in 2007.  Caltrans Director Will Kempton says Moui Tran lost his life in Redding… 
  
“He was driving a Caltrans vehicle and pulled out from a side street and was hit by another vehicle driving at a high rate of speed and he was killed in that manner…”
 
Kempton says Caltrans’ is trying to improve its safety record.  He says it’s making more public service announcements about driving carefully in construction zones.  He says lawmakers also are trying to protect Caltrans workers from attacks from members of the public.  Kempton is backing a bill that step-ups penalties against angry drivers who’ve stopped their vehicle and thrown punches at road crew members.