California Surveyors Forums

Worker dies after being hit by truck on Highway 62 in Morongo Valley
Paul Albani-Burgio
Palm Springs Desert Sun

A survey worker died after being hit by a pick-up truck on Highway 62 in Morongo Valley on Monday afternoon.

The crash occurred when a Ford F-150 driving westbound in the passing lane on the highway crossed into the center median while approaching Senilis Avenue, according to a release from California Highway Patrol.

The F-150 then hit the worker, who was standing next to his work truck. The force of the crash caused the Chevrolet to hit an SUV that was being driven eastbound on Highway 62. The pedestrian, who was a male but has not been identified, was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center where he died.

Ricardo Garcia, who was driving the F-150, and his sole passenger were also transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. The drive of the other truck was not injured. The cause of the crash is still being investigated, according to the release. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors.

https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/20 ... 723752002/

[Our safety officer presented this at today's meetings.]

DWoolley

A truly sad outcome.

I've heard several close call stories from CALTRANS Surveyors. Things can happen in an instant.

It is a good time to review our safety practices.

It would be helpful if more details were provided about the situation. Such as a sketch of what happened. This may not be possible due to insurance reasons. But any accident or near miss is a good learning tool. Where was the worker in relation to traffic? What was the speed limit? Where was his equipment? Cones or traffic safety gear? Wearing a vest? etc. etc.

I often take pictures of my setups in the street and use them to train my crews with regard to cone placement, signs, etc. There is not much published in this regard.

kwilson wrote: Fri May 13, 2022 9:39 am It would be helpful if more details were provided about the situation.

Per the OP and the article:
The crash occurred when a Ford F-150 driving westbound in the passing lane on the highway crossed into the center median while approaching Senilis Avenue, according to a release from California Highway Patrol.

The F-150 then hit the worker, who was standing next to his work truck. The force of the crash caused the Chevrolet to hit an SUV that was being driven eastbound on Highway 62.

This was one of the things which I always struggled with running a crew. Safety went away when they minimized crews from 3-4 man to 1-2 man. I have always been an advocate for the field guys, but, it was a hard sell many times with the company owners or engineers in charge. Mostly due to delay and money. Sad

https://www.evans-brownmortuary.com/tri ... srR6aVgurQ
Some of you may know Venyssa Lopes of Caltrans District 8.
This is her nephew.

I can't even wrap my head around the level of tragedy.