Summer means hot fun under the sun... and major roadwork across the country. Too often, drivers are not careful enough near these sites despite the clear warning signs, putting their lives and other people's in danger.
To further educate motorists on the importance of safety around roadwork areas, Quebec's Ministry of Transport along with provincial police authorities (SQ) invited journalists to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, where a simulated construction site recreated actual hazardous situations.
"This year, we're investing more than ever in road infrastructure. As a result, road users will encounter roadwork areas on a more regular basis, warns Julie Boulet, minister of Transport. They'll have to be more patient, more careful and especially more tolerant to all the related inconveniences. Beyond the many different safety measures that are applied to ensure the protection of workers and drivers, it's fundamental that everyone realizes what their responsibilities are in this collective effort."
As for SQ agents, they'll keep an even more watchful eye on motorists this summer. Over the last few years, more than 850 accidents have occurred around roadwork areas, killing or injuring nearly 1,200 people. Carelessness or speeding is too often cited as the main cause of these accidents.
"Sanctions and fines will be much heftier for road delinquents. The new law is more stringent than ever and a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced near these sites," says Luc Fillion, Director of Road Safety at Sûreté du Québec.
Bottom line: slowing down is not enough -- drivers have to obey the new speed limit.
Auto writer, race car driver and spokesman for the "Brake" campaign Bertrand Godin is a strong supporter: "Not all accidents lead to deaths or severe injuries, but every single one of them has negative repercussions on traffic flow and roadwork progress. The added congestion makes drivers even more impatient and more inclined to make careless moves. Therefore, it's utterly important for Quebec drivers to use more foresight and good judgement."
In addition to the increased presence of police officers on the road, Transports Quebec and the SQ will promote safety near roadwork areas through television, radio and Internet campaigns while multiplying the number of advertising signs on the side of the road.
"There has never been that much projected roadwork areas in Quebec, so plan ahead and give yourself time. Also, I encourage you to be more patient and more careful than ever. Remember that all these thousands of workers are dedicated to building safer roads for all Quebecers to drive on," added Mrs. Boulet.
photo:Jupiter Images
To further educate motorists on the importance of safety around roadwork areas, Quebec's Ministry of Transport along with provincial police authorities (SQ) invited journalists to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, where a simulated construction site recreated actual hazardous situations.
"This year, we're investing more than ever in road infrastructure. As a result, road users will encounter roadwork areas on a more regular basis, warns Julie Boulet, minister of Transport. They'll have to be more patient, more careful and especially more tolerant to all the related inconveniences. Beyond the many different safety measures that are applied to ensure the protection of workers and drivers, it's fundamental that everyone realizes what their responsibilities are in this collective effort."
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As for SQ agents, they'll keep an even more watchful eye on motorists this summer. Over the last few years, more than 850 accidents have occurred around roadwork areas, killing or injuring nearly 1,200 people. Carelessness or speeding is too often cited as the main cause of these accidents.
"Sanctions and fines will be much heftier for road delinquents. The new law is more stringent than ever and a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced near these sites," says Luc Fillion, Director of Road Safety at Sûreté du Québec.
Bottom line: slowing down is not enough -- drivers have to obey the new speed limit.
Auto writer, race car driver and spokesman for the "Brake" campaign Bertrand Godin is a strong supporter: "Not all accidents lead to deaths or severe injuries, but every single one of them has negative repercussions on traffic flow and roadwork progress. The added congestion makes drivers even more impatient and more inclined to make careless moves. Therefore, it's utterly important for Quebec drivers to use more foresight and good judgement."
In addition to the increased presence of police officers on the road, Transports Quebec and the SQ will promote safety near roadwork areas through television, radio and Internet campaigns while multiplying the number of advertising signs on the side of the road.
"There has never been that much projected roadwork areas in Quebec, so plan ahead and give yourself time. Also, I encourage you to be more patient and more careful than ever. Remember that all these thousands of workers are dedicated to building safer roads for all Quebecers to drive on," added Mrs. Boulet.
photo:Jupiter Images