Reeling from the deaths of three workers over the last two months, Caltrans this week launched a statewide campaign to remind drivers that the law requires them to move over or to slow down when passing stopped Caltrans or emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

The warning is posted on 700 electronic message boards along the state’s highways, including in Santa Rosa, and will be aired in public service announcements on TV.

“Our goal is to do everything we can to keep our highways safe,” Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said in a statement. “Motorists must slow down, watch out for highway workers, and safely move over a lane when they see flashing amber lights on Caltrans or other emergency vehicles.”

The law requires drivers to move over to the left lane, such as when you’re on Highway 101, if safe to do so or to slow when passing any emergency vehicle or construction vehicle that’s on the right shoulder and has ANY flashing lights on, such as emergency lights or four-way flashers. The CHP has said it considers slowing to mean at least 15 mph slower than the speed limit.

To drive home the law, the CHP said officers will be on the lookout for violators.

The DMV also will be joining the campaign to publicize the law by using message signs in its offices as well as highlighting the law on driver’s tests.

The first Caltrans death also occurred May 4 when landscape worker Stephen Palmer Sr. was hit and killed by a trolley in National City. Worker Jaime Obeso was killed June 7 in El Centro by an errant driver, and Richard Gonzalez died June 20 after being hit by a car while picking up litter in San Diego.