Humboldt participants in National Work Zone Awareness Week

Humboldt County, Ca., (KIEM) We all know the dangers of distracted driving. But for construction crews working on area roads-it can be deadly.

That’s why all across the country an annual spring campaign is held at the start of the construction season. It’s to encourage safe driving through highway work zones and its called national work zone awareness week.

Studies show that over 1,400 workers lost their lives to the hands of distracted drivers.

One Caltrans official said people must pay better attention to the roads.

“Collisions regarding distracted driving is a growing issue so we take it very seriously,” said Myles Cochrane. “We have these distracted driving awareness campaigns with CHP as well and we do a lot of work to try to make sure we try to limit that.”

In honor of the lives lost, Caltrans District 1 is set to host their annual workers memorial Thursday, April 11. The event starts at 11 AM at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds in Crescent City.