Construction Zones and Workers on the Road

Construction Zone Safety:

Be extra careful when driving through construction zones and areas where people are working on or near the road.

Approaching Construction Zones:

When approaching a construction zone:

• Proceed with caution and obey all warning signs

• Follow directions from people and/or devices directing traffic

• Often, lower speed limits are posted to increase worker safety

• Be aware of increased road hazards such as construction vehicles, uneven or gravel surfaces, narrowed lanes

In the Construction Zone:

• Drive carefully and adjust your driving to suit the conditions

• Do not change lanes

• Be ready for sudden stops

• Watch for workers and related construction vehicles and equipment on the road

Other Workers on the Road:

Other types of workers and vehicles may also be present on the road and pose a hazard, such as:

• Roadside assistance and disabled vehicles

• Surveyors

• Road maintenance or utility workers

Always slow down and pass with caution to prevent a collision. If safe to do so, move over a lane to increase the space between your vehicle and the hazard.

Traffic-Control Workers:

Traffic-control workers direct vehicle traffic in work zones and prevent conflicts between construction activity and traffic. Whether you are driving during the day or at night, watch for traffic-control people and follow their instructions.

Legal Requirements and Penalties:

• Recent changes to the Highway Traffic Act have resulted in doubled fines for speeding in a construction zone when workers are present

• It is an offence to disobey STOP or SLOW signs displayed by a traffic-control person or firefighter

• Treat people working on roads with respect, and be patient if traffic is delayed

Special Situations:

Sometimes traffic in one direction must wait while vehicles from the other direction pass through a detour. If your lane is blocked and no one is directing traffic, yield to the driver coming from the opposite direction. When the way is clear, move slowly and carefully around the obstacle.