Province, Industry Launch Work Zone Safety Campaign

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Province, Industry Launch Work Zone Safety Campaign

Construction workers are worried about being killed in Nova Scotian work zones. Workers say speeding motorists put themselves and other drivers at risk.

"It's my life," says Laurie Campbell, a worker with the Department of Transportation and Public Works. "I should be able to go home at night to my wife and children, and not have to worry during the day about being killed by a speeding vehicle."

Mr. Campbell and other workers joined MLA Kerry Morash, on behalf of Michael Baker, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, as well as representatives of the Nova Scotia Roadbuilders Association and police organizations for the launch of a construction zone safety campaign at the department depot at Miller Lake.

The public education campaign will ask motorists to slow down in construction zones. Work zones are dangerous for drivers, as they present unexpected conditions for motorists and a lot of new information.

"Workers and other drivers shouldn't have to worry about being hit by cars speeding through work zones," said Mr. Morash. "They deserve to go about their business without fear of being maimed or injured."

"The Nova Scotia Roadbuilders Association places a high level of emphasis and value on safety in the workplace, thereby supporting an effective and sustainable awareness campaign," said Don Maillet, director of safety for the association. "We feel that by improving the motoring public's attentiveness to construction zone warning signs, as well as speed reduction through work zones, we will reduce the potential hazards posed to our workers, as well as motorists."

The campaign includes television, radio and print advertising, as well as Web and theatre advertising on Empire Theaters cinema screens at Bayers Lake.

Drivers face fines and four demerit points if caught speeding in a work zone.