Transportation and Works
May 31, 2016
Increasing Safety for Residents
Provincial Government Advises Motorists to Use Caution in Construction Zones
As the road construction season ramps up, the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works, is reminding motorists to use extra caution around construction zones. Driving responsibly and without distraction can prevent accidents and protect the lives of motorists and road construction workers throughout the province.
"The safety of those working on our roads and highways and travellers is of paramount importance. As the construction season advances, and more road maintenance projects get underway, I ask all motorists to pay extra attention to road signs, construction signage and work happening in and around construction zones. Driving without distraction, reducing speed and paying attention to signage can ensure everyone reaches their destination safely at the end of the day."
- The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works
When motorists see road construction signs or workers wearing high-visibility vests on the roadside, they should slow down and obey the signs and directions. Stay alert and do not use cellular phones, text or take pictures. Also, respect the activities of workers and their equipment.
"Everyone has the right to be safe, whether they are workers in construction zones or are drivers and passengers on our province's roadways. Safety Services Newfoundland Labrador joins with the Provincial Government today in reminding everyone that safety is a joint responsibility - we all have a role to play."
- Mr. Len LeRiche, President and Chief Executive Officer, Safety Service Newfoundland and Labrador
Motorists are also advised that while construction activity may appear limited or even inactive at times, signage remaining in place indicates ongoing work to address issues such as breaks in the pavement ahead, road shoulders that pose a risk to vehicles, or the potential for slow-moving traffic within the construction zone.
The Provincial Government has implemented many initiatives to improve safety for workers at construction sites, such as amendments to the Highway Traffic Act. The fine for speeding in construction zones was also doubled to safeguard workers on the job.
The Department of Transportation and Works provides daily construction slowdown updates online, along with live highway cameras for approximately 30 locations throughout the province. This information is available at www.roads.gov.nl.ca. Additional public notices are often posted on the department's Twitter account @TW_GovNL.
QUICK FACTS:
- Using extra caution around construction zones, and driving responsibly and without distraction, can prevent accidents and protect the lives of motorists and road construction workers this summer.
- When motorists see road construction signs or workers wearing high-visibility vests on the roadside, they should slow down and obey the signs and directions.
- While construction activity may appear limited or even inactive at times, signage remaining in place indicates ongoing work.
- Information on construction slowdowns province-wide, as well as additional safety advice, can be found at www.roads.gov.nl.ca.
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Media contacts:
|
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca |
Len LeRiche
President and CEO Safety Services Newfoundland and Labrador 709-754-0210 lleriche@safetyservicesnl.ca |
2016 05 31 11:45 a.m.