With the onset of summer comes an increase in roadside work. That means tens of thousands of workers will be on the job only a few feet away from fast-moving traffic in high-risk environments called “Cone Zones.”
This includes Mainroad Group employees.
To help keep roadside workers safe, the Work Zone Safety Alliance is launching the 2016 Cone Zone Campaign, an annual road safety initiative to encourage drivers to pay attention and reduce speed when driving through a Cone Zone.
Simple changes made by a driver can save a life and ensure that roadside workers (such as emergency responders, municipal workers, road construction and maintenance crews, commercial drivers, utility crews, tow truck operators and others) return home safe to their families. When driving in our community:
- Pay attention and be on the lookout for cones, work zone signage and other traffic control devices. Eliminate unnecessary driving distractions (such as the use of hands-free devices and loud music.)
- SLOW DOWN before entering a Cone Zone and drive slowly while in the work zone.
- Follow the directions of traffic control persons, where present.
- Give roadside workers space. Leave as much room as possible. Again, if it’s safe to do so, move to another lane.
- Always reduce your speed when driving near vehicles with flashing amber, red and blue lights. If the posted speed limit is greater than 80 km/h, slow to 70km/h. If the posted speed is less than 80 km/h, slow to 40 km/h. In both situations, move over if it’s safe to do so.
- Be patient and respectful.
Imagine every cone as a Mother, Father, Son, or Daughter. They’re counting on you to keep them safe.
Did you know that there are two types of road side work sites?