SGI Gives Heads Up Regarding Construction Zones

If you are out driving on the highway or in town SGI wants to remind drivers about slowing down for construction zones as part of a province-wide campaign.

Speeding through the construction zone on Thatcher Drive East is one area that could leave your wallet lighter - MJ Independent photo

In their #SlowTo60 (Slow to 60 km/hr) campaign SGI would like to remind drivers that in most highway construction zones the speed limit is reduced to a maximum of 60 km/hr - although the maximum speed limit may be lower.

SGI would like to remind motorists that speeding in construction zones can result in fines significantly higher than regular tickets for speeding. As an example driving 100 km/hr in a construction zone will net the offender over $1,000 in fines.

Collisions in work or construction zones - despite reduced travelling due to the COVID - 19 pandemic - resulted in one death and 35 injuries in 101 collisions in work zones in 2020.

The City of Moose Jaw also issued warnings in February of 2021 when a City worker was hit, but was uninjured, when a motorist failed to obey a road closed sign and entered the work zone.

“We know you’re excited to start your vacation plans and possibly see folks you haven’t in a long while,” Penny McClune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund said in a statement. “Your summer vacation coincides with construction season, so remember that the work being done to improve roads in our province makes travelling safer for all drivers. Keep workers in these areas safe by slowing down and obeying all signage and any flag person you see.”

As a tip the SGI release suggested drivers check their route first to see if there is any construction and adjust their time table accordingly so they can select another route or do not have to speed if they go through a construction or work zone.

“Check the route you plan on taking for potential construction, and adjust your departure time accordingly,” Shantel Lipp, President of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association said in the release. “Trying to buy back time by speeding through a work zone will both endanger workers and likely make you even more late when you get pulled over for breaking the law.”