The incident occurred on Highway 17 north of Redwood Estates around 11:45 a.m., February 18.
Santa Clara, CA – A Caltrans worker was injured after being struck by a vehicle that veered off the road Wednesday morning in Santa Clara, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The incident occurred on Highway 17 north of Redwood Estates around 11:45 a.m., February 18.
According to CHP, two Caltrans inspectors were working on the right shoulder of the highway when a Jeep traveling northbound veered off the road and struck one of the workers.
The victim, a man, was knocked down the embankment, sustaining moderate injuries. The patient was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive.
The No. 2 lane was closed near the crash scene for about two hours.
Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role.
Road work accidents in California have been a persistent safety concern, affecting both construction workers and motorists. According to reports from Caltrans (the California Department of Transportation) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), hundreds of work zone crashes are recorded annually across the state. In recent years, California has averaged between 600 and 800 work zone crashes per year, with dozens resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Between 2018 and 2022, Caltrans reported that over 40 workers lost their lives in work zone incidents, and many more were injured. Most of these accidents involve passing vehicles striking workers, construction equipment, or other vehicles within the work zone. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to obey warning signs are the most common contributing factors. Additionally, nighttime roadwork, which is often scheduled to minimize daytime traffic disruption, can increase the risk due to reduced visibility.
To address these dangers, California has implemented stricter work zone speed limits, increased fines for violations, and expanded the use of safety barriers and enhanced signage. Public awareness campaigns, such as “Be Work Zone Alert,” aim to remind drivers to slow down and stay attentive near road construction zones. Despite these efforts, road work accidents remain a significant safety issue, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and improved safety measures for both workers and motorists.
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If you were injured in this crash, you may have the right to seek damages. Visit our work accident lawyer page to get more information about your legal options.