As crews conduct maintenance on roads during the winter drivers are being asked to be aware to help keep everyone safe.
Road Safety at Work is urging drivers to be aware that crews are often performing essential work along the road to keep roads safe for drivers, and hazardous conditions paired with distracted and dangerous driving can put workers in danger.
Some of the biggest threats to roadside workers are excess speed and distracted driving, according to ATS Traffic regional manager Jamie Meegan.
TELUS technician Kelly Beavan, who spends much of his time working roadside said winter conditions can make an already dangerous job even worse.
“Passing large rigs throw up a lot of mist, slush, and snow, creating disturbances that pull the air along with them and interfere with the work and lessen visibility. Snow piles up on the roads so shoulders and a safe place to pull over disappear.”
Road Safety At Work suggests drivers slow down when approaching work zones, pay attention and don’t use your phone, obey road signs and give workers as much space as possible. Following these guidelines will help keep everyone safe.
