Construction season is well-underway and while it’s inconvenient for drivers, every year hundreds are injured in collisions in work zones across the province.
Last year there were 203 collisions resulting in 67 injuries in work zones across the province and there were 1,230 speeding tickets handed out.
That’s why SGI is reminding drivers as part of its safety spotlight, to slow down if they see orange.
“It makes it much easier to avoid any hazards that may be present, any people that might be present and deal with any unexpected situations that you might find in a work zone,” SGI spokesperson, Tyler McMurchy said.
On Thursday, SGI set up two mock scenarios, showing just how bad things can get in the blink of an eye.
The first scenario demonstrated the dangers of speeding through a construction zone and the second showing how long it takes to stop at high rates of speed.
Generally speed limits in work zones are 60km/h and speeding through one of these zones is not only dangerous but it could cost you.
“If you fly through a construction zone with workers present at 100 km per hour that’s going to cost you one thousand and eight dollars,” McMurchy said. “There are three demerits so depending on where you are in the safe driver recognition scale that could cost you an insurance discount or at $50 a point, cost you an actual financial penalty.”
Even if workers aren’t present, it’s best to slow down to avoid any potential hazards.
“It’s not just the workers that are in the zone, we have a lot of big pieces of equipment in the zone and if you’re not paying attention- car versus grader- car loses every time,” Lipp said.
At the end of the day, by reducing your speed it can mean the difference between a close call and something much worse.
“It is really important that the motoring public to be aware of what they’re required to do on the road so that everybody can get home safe,” Tom Lees with the Ministry of Highways said.
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