Demerit Points for Unsafe Drivers

Drivers who fail to obey a traffic control person in Nova Scotia will have four demerit points tacked on to their driver's record, under legislation proclaimed today, Aug. 23.

"We're serious about protecting our staff and contractors who are out there trying to guide motorists safely through highway construction zones," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

"We've had too many close calls and our people deserve to be protected while they perform such a valuable service," he adds. "People who speed through work zones or who are reckless will pay for it."

The four demerit points will remain on a driver's record for two years.

Terry Duggan, a member of the department's Joint Occupational Safety and Health (Suburban) committee, has trained more than 300 traffic control staff within the past two years.

"This change should give our staff more control over what can be some pretty scary situations, he said. "We're trying our best to keep drivers safe as they move through construction areas. People need to realize that we also have families waiting for us at the end of the day."

Drivers are also now required to stop in emergency situations where department vehicles display flashing red lights and a Stop, Do Not Pass sign.

The Motor Vehicle Act is available on the provincial government Internet site at www.gov.ns.ca .