**** RCMP Media Release
Slow down in construction zones this summer
Hitting the highway for your summer vacation? Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just taking a quick day trip to the beach, it is important to help keep construction crews safe by driving cautiously.
Construction work and traffic delays are a reality of driving in Nova Scotia over the summer. While motorists may find this irritating, it is never acceptable to drive recklessly or above the speed limit in construction zones.
“When the road is your work space there are lots of threats,” says Cpl. Lisa Croteau of the Nova Scotia RCMP. “Distracted drivers, speeders, road rage: these are just some of the issues construction crews have to deal with. We ask you to help protect workers by driving safely and refraining from road rage.”
To help keep construction crews safe, the RCMP is asking drivers to:
- Slow down and obey the posted speed limit when driving through construction zones.
- Pay attention to sign flaggers and always obey their commands.
- Stay alert and focused while driving; take note of where construction zones begin and end.
- Always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and construction workers, equipment and vehicles.
- Avoid driving while distracted. Leave cell phones, electronic devices and food alone.
- Be calm, patient, and flexible when encountering traffic delays. Road rage will not get you there faster.
The Nova Scotia RCMP will be in and around construction zones this month, ensuring driver compliance and worker safety. Speeding in a construction zone will result in a fine that is double what a normal speeding ticket would be and can run up to $697.50 for a first offence.
Everyone deserves to return home from work safe and healthy. Please treat construction workers with respect and help keep roadways safe for everyone.
