Campaign targets safety in construction zones

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This article was published 19/05/2023 (1103 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Drivers speeding through construction zones is just one of the many scary incidents that put peoples’ lives at risk, including workers and those behind the wheel, says a prevention consultant with Safe Work Manitoba.

This year’s SAFE Roads campaign was launched Thursday in Brandon at the city’s Civic Services building, reminding drivers to be careful during the summer construction season, which typically sees more activity on and beside roadways.

The theme of this year’s campaign is, “They’re Not in Your Way, They’re at Work,” with the goal of reducing workplace injuries on Manitoba’s roads.

“Those who work on the roadways deserve a safe workplace just like any of us do. As motorists, we have to do our part to ensure that we’re doing everything in our capacity to keep them safe on the road, and that means being patient and slowing down,” said Jeff Shaw, whose position at Safe Work Manitoba falls under the Workers Compensation Board.

Other incidents on provincial roads that cause harm and alarm include vehicles striking workers, equipment, or a posted sign in a construction zone, as well as verbal and physical assault of workers by impatient drivers, said Sean Scott, executive director of the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba.

“These incidents underscore the continuing need for this annual campaign,” said Scott. “We are trying to prevent these by reminding people of the consequences of ignoring posted signs or flashing lights of emergency service vehicles, utility or construction workers.”

Fines for travelling 10 kilometres per hour over the posted speed limit start at $181.50. In designated construction zones, the fine is doubled, whether there are workers present or not, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

When passing an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, motorists are obligated to slow and move to the furthest lane whenever possible.

In those situations, the driver must slow to 40 km/h when the posted speed limit is below 79 km/h, and to 60 km/h when the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher.

Drivers have a responsibility to be alert about their surroundings and other road users, said Randy Lewis, deputy chief of the Brandon Police Service.

Some police officers exercise a certain amount of discretion when it comes to highway traffic enforcement, but not in construction zones, according to Lewis.

“We treat speeding through a construction area as a zero-tolerance offence, given that it is extremely dangerous to those who are working there. So, the fines are in place to deter speeding, and unfortunately, it often takes enforcement, along with public education, to get the message across to some people.”

He added drivers should put themselves in construction workers’ shoes.

“If you could envision being in your workplace, maybe an office, or behind a counter at a department store or restaurant, and somebody’s speeding a vehicle through, putting you at risk, how you would feel in that situation. That’s exactly the way that it is for those of us who work on the roadways, trying to keep others safe.”

SAFE Roads was established in 2004, to educate motorists and the public about respectful and safe driving practices for the safety of construction, utility, emergency services personnel, equipment operators and all those who work in or adjacent to the province’s roadways.

For more information, visit safemanitoba.com.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

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