With road construction season in full swing across Grande Prairie, Enforcement Services is reminding motorists that reduced speed limits in construction zones are critical for the safety of workers and all road users. Peace Officers routinely encounter drivers disregarding posted speed limits and other traffic laws, creating unnecessary risks for workers and the travelling public.
A recent enforcement initiative at 116 Avenue and 96 Street serves as one example of the unsafe driving behaviours officers continue to observe throughout the construction season. In just one hour, Peace Officers recorded 19 violations and issued seven warnings. Officers also encountered one suspended driver and one unauthorized driver, resulting in the towing of a vehicle.
The number of enforcement actions recorded in such a short period highlights the need for drivers to pay attention to posted signage, obey speed limits, and adjust their driving behaviour when travelling through construction areas.
“Speeding vehicles are one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions, injuries, and fatalities on our roads,” says Peace Officer Sergeant Ryan Hoffman. “Motorists need to slow down in construction zones, especially where workers are present. Enforcement efforts continue to show that too many drivers are disregarding posted speed limits and other traffic laws in work zones. These behaviours put construction workers, other motorists, and pedestrians at risk.”
Construction zone speed limits are in place to protect workers and accommodate changing road conditions, narrowed lanes, construction equipment, and other hazards that may be present. Even a small increase in speed can significantly reduce a driver's ability to react to unexpected situations.
Grande Prairie Enforcement Services urges all drivers to remain alert, follow posted signs and speed limits, and exercise extra caution when travelling through construction zones to help keep workers and the community safe.
