Released on June 25, 2013
Sitting at a computer desk or standing behind a counter, most feel relatively safe within their work zone, but when your work zone is on a highway, and there’s 3,000 pounds of metal heading your way at breakneck speeds, it can be a life or death scenario.
RCMP Traffic Services and the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s Highway Transport Patrol officers are joining forces June 25, 26 and 27 for an enforcement blitz to drive home the importance of slowing to 60 km/hr past Highway Transport Patrol officers, RCMP and other emergency workers, as well as tow truck operators, highway construction workers and others working in the highwayright-of-way.
“Every day on our highway network, these people are at risk of being hit by a motorist,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “That risk is greatly reduced when motorists slow down to 60 km/hr and drive with caution past or through these work zones. The simple act of slowing to 60 km/hr could be the difference between life and death.”
“When motorists make the choice to exceed the speed limit, our officers see the effects of that decision on many levels,” RCMP Traffic Services Sgt. Pete Garvey said. “From writing tickets, to attending collision scenes, to delivering next of kin notifications, our front line officers see the impact of that unwise decision. Motorists need to do their part in improving the safety of highway workers and emergency personnel by slowing down and allowing extra time as they travel throughout the province.”
Enforcement efforts between the RCMP and Highway Transport Patrol will be stepped up in seven regions in situations where Highway Transport Patrol and RCMP vehicles are stopped on the highway with their emergency lights flashing. This will also include increased enforcement in highway construction work zones.
The Highway Transport Patrol is a part of the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure consisting of uniformed traffic officers who primarily conduct on-road enforcement by stopping commercial vehicles and by operating vehicle inspection stations. The general public may be familiar with their patrol cars and SUVs, which look similar to other law enforcement vehicles.
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For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: kirsten.leatherdale@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-9692
Sgt. Pete Garvey
RCMP Traffic Services
Yorkton
Phone: 306-620-6904