State issuues safety warning after crashes in ‘cone zones’

State officials are renewing warnings about distracted driving following four serious crashes involving highway workers and law officers in construction zones.

The Sacramento Bee reports 15 people including several Caltrans workers, a California Highway Patrol officer and six community service cleanup crew members were injured in highway crashes over three days in mid-September.

The incidents have prompted state officials to warn drivers to stay alert and remember they may have to slow down, move over, and even come to a stop on state highways at times because of roadwork.

Caltrans spokesman Mark Dinger tells the Bee that distracted driving, including illegal cellphone use, continues to be considered a key cause of “cone zone” crashes.

Officials say data show road maintenance and construction jobs are among the most dangerous occupations in the country.