Submitted
The Province of Saskatchewan and the RCMP are joining forces to improve safety in Saskatchewan's construction zones.
The RCMP will begin traffic enforcement blitzes in the busiest Orange Zones across Saskatchewan, Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris announced today.
"Our government will not tolerate speeding through the Orange Zone," McMorris said. "Our first priority is to keep our highways workers safe. In the coming weeks, we will be announcing further measures to protect workers and ensure drivers are driving safely in the Orange Zone."
The Province of Saskatchewan is partnering with the RCMP over concerns about excessive speeds in construction zones. The problem has received increased scrutiny since the death of 18 year-old Ashley Dawn Richards, a highways flagperson who was struck by a vehicle while working in an Orange Zone in August of this year.
"While travelling through construction zones, it is imperative that every motorist be focused on driving their vehicle in the safest manner possible," RCMP Inspector, Officer in Charge, Traffic Services, "F" Division Andy Landers said. "Be aware of your surroundings before, during, and after travelling through construction zones. We need the motoring public to understand that they play a key role in keeping construction workers safe."
Motorists are required by law to slow to 60 kilometres per hour where Orange Zone signs are erected and workers are present. Fines start at $140 and increase by $2 for every kilometre per hour over the speed limit up to 90 kilometres per hour. For speeds in excess of 90 kilometres per hour, the fine increases by $4 for every kilometre per hour above the speed limit.
