Calls for additional enforcement after recent deaths of those working on state highways

Wallingford, Conn./WTIC Radio - Those who attended a news conference Tuesday on safe driving said the message is simple: slow down, move over, and pay attention.

The gathering was held at the Interstate 91 rest stop in Wallingford, days after a state Department of Transportation worker was killed on the job.

State police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier and DOT worker Andrew DiDomenico were killed less than a month apart by two alleged impaired drivers.

Governor Lamont says even with laws on the books, drivers need to be less careless and more responsible.

Melissa Lombardi, DiDomenico's aunt, said "we hope additional legislation is passed to increase the mandates and substantial penalties for those (who) break the law and certainly repeat offenders."

DOT commissioner Garrett Eucalito says there's an epidemic of such deaths in this state.