SASKATOON – According to SGI, 174 people died on Saskatchewan roads last year and the province is leading off this summer with improved signage to bring awareness and attention to work zones.
Last year’s fatalities included pregnant highway worker Ashley Richards who was struck by a SUV in a construction zone by Midale.
This tragedy unleashed a flurry of new measures, safety blitzes and even disappointment from the premier.
The provincial government has been working with SGI, RCMP, and the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association over the winter to protect highway workers this spring.
When construction season hits, Saskatchewan motorists will see improved signage in highway work zones.
“With the introduction of the new signage, all drivers need to do is follow the signs for the safety of our workers and for their own safety, so we can prevent future tragedies,” said Don McMorris, highways and infrastructure minister.
The usual orange construction zone signs will continue marking the beginning of areas where workers are present on highways.
A black-and-white speed sign will immediately follow to remind motorist must legally slow to 60 km/h, with no exceptions.
When approaching the end of a work zone, drivers will encounter a “End of Work Area” sign followed by another black-and-white indicator to resume the legal maximum speed limit.
The government has also raised the price of a speeding ticket for drivers caught in construction zones.
Construction zone fines previously started at $140, but will now begin at a base fine of $210. Tickets increase by $3 for every kilometre over the speed limit, up to a speed of 90 km/h and $6 for every kilometre over 90 km/h.
For a driver caught speeding through a work zone at 100 km/h, could result in a fine of $450 plus a victim surcharge to total $530.
The province says photo radar will also be implemented in some work zones later this year.
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