Motorists Asked to Slow Down in Construction Zones

Orange cones, traffic barrels, a reduced speed sign -- these are signs that let drivers know that highway work is underway.

They are also all that stands between highway workers and fast-moving vehicles. Drivers need to be on alert when travelling through these areas.

"We want to remind motorists that road-construction sites are the workplace for hundreds of men and women and we, as drivers, need to do everything we can to protect them," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "We urge motorists to watch their speed and use extra caution when passing through road construction zones."

In 2008, the province introduced legislative amendments that target people who speed in work zones. Fines are doubled and demerit points are assigned to driver's records for speeding in work zones. The fines, including court costs, range from $337 for a first offence to $2,407 for a third offence.

"RCMP officers from across the province will be monitoring construction zones for individuals speeding," said Insp. Sput McCarthy, officer in charge of traffic services for the RCMP in Nova Scotia. "There is zero tolerance for those speeding and endangering the lives of themselves, other road users and construction workers."

The province and the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association are partnering on a work zone safety campaign this month. Advertisements will remind drivers that there are people behind the signs.

Trevor Chisholm, director of safety for the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association, said even the smallest mistake by a driver can lead to vehicles entering a work zone and killing or injuring workers.

"There's a lot of information to process in a work zone," said Mr. Chisholm. "Drivers need to slow down so they can take it all in."

For more information on work zone safety and to preview the ads, visit the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran .