WEYBURN - The summer months are the busiest time for road improvements and paving, since it is the best time of year to get these projects done. Most drivers are considerate and patient enough to slow down appropriately, or find alternate routes to reach their destination.
However there are still some drivers who are either too impatient, or are not paying attention to the reduced speed signs, and become a danger to construction crews in the area and other drivers.
In a recent RCMP Saskatchewan report for the month of June, there were 192 drivers who received tickets for failing to slow down when passing an emergency, highway maintenance, tow or construction vehicle with lights flashing.
One of the reported incidents, included a driver who sped 104 km/hr past a Prince Albert Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan officer, who was positioned in a construction zone on Highway #2, outside of Anglin Lake. Multiple construction workers and vehicles with their lights flashing were working in the area.
The driver received a ticket for exceeding 60 km/hr passing highway equipment with warning lights in operation, resulting in a $1,075 fine.
It is alarming to have so many people receiving tickets for failing to slow down. There is really no excuse not to slow down when you are passing an emergency, highway maintenance, or construction vehicle. Ensuring the safety of construction workers is a big part of speed reductions in construction zones – but it’s not the only factor.
Work zone speeds should take in to account the type of work being done and the proximity of workers to traffic, but they should also factor in any changes in road characteristics. Even when the work crews are not in sight, speed reductions can be kept in place to protect travellers from hazards associated with a highway under construction.
The same rules apply for respecting work zones when there are municipal roads under construction, or repaving, in the City of Weyburn. During City Council’s meeting on Monday night, there was a reminder to residents to plan their routes ahead of time to avoid any delays, and urge residents not to drive over barricades or steal them. As I sat there in the media chair, it boggled my mind that this reminder had to be said - because obviously there have been residents who have caused damage to the city barricades.
I simply do not understand the mindset of someone who wants to create difficulties or trouble for the city workers, who are just doing their job.
Currently, as of this column, there are three road detours in place on my preferred travel path to work. It only takes me five minutes to go a different route, and stay respectful of the work that needs to be done.
