With the long weekend ahead and back-to-school routines starting next week, drivers are being urged to take extra care around roadside workers.
Road Safety at Work reminds you to slow down, stay off your phones and stay alert in construction zones to help ensure a safe day for workers while behind the wheel.
Spokesperson Trace Acres said every year they hear about near misses, or worse, in work zones due to speeding or distracted driving.
“We’ve all got to keep our eyes on the road and be aware of everything going on in roadside work zones,” says Acres.
According to Road Safety at Work, nine workers in B.C. were killed from 2015 to 2024, and 267 more were injured seriously enough to miss work.
They’re encouraging drivers to slow down to or below the posted speed limit, avoid the use of cellphones, and obey all signs and flag persons when road work is ongoing.
Member of the Island Equipment Owners Association Chris Ruddick said most drivers will follow directions and are respectful, but some still don’t get the memo.
“I wish all drivers would understand that the workers occupying the roadways are just doing their job and for some of them, that job is to help keep motorists safe,” Ruddick says.
Drivers are also encouraged to follow B.C.’s Slow Down, Move Over law, which requires vehicles to slow down and move over when safe if another vehicle with flashing lights is at the roadside.
