Slow down in construction zones

With road construction season underway, the province and the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association are urging people to drive carefully in highway work zones.

“We need to be mindful of workers when traveling through work zones by slowing down, paying attention and driving safely,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “We’re asking drivers to stay alert because even the smallest mistake can be deadly.”

“The road building contractors and their employees see speeding in work zones as one of, if not the most dangerous activity the driving public can do,” said Grant Feltmate, executive director with the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association. “We strongly urge drivers to precisely obey speed reductions in these areas.”

Fines are doubled and demerit points are assigned to drivers’ records for speeding in work zones. Fines start at $348.95 and can rise to more than $2,000 depending on other factors.

In addition to slowing down, drivers can help ensure the safety of road workers by:

• staying alert and minimizing distractions

• keeping a safe distance from workers and equipment

• respecting work zone signs, warnings and flaggers

• expecting the unexpected

• keeping a safe distance from other vehicles