Work Zone Safety: Slow Down and Stay Alert

Summer is sometimes known as ‘construction season’ and that season is well underway. Daily commutes or travel throughout the province usually include travelling through construction zones, making it increasingly important to stay alert.

“Construction season is essential to keeping Saskatchewan moving by supporting our economy, connecting our communities and ensuring our roads remain safe and reliable”, said Highways Minister Kim Gartner. “While it can mean short-term delays, the long-term benefits are critical. I encourage all drivers to stay alert, slow down in work zones and respect signage and flag personnel. Every person on the road matters and by working together, we can ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Whether the work zone is in a city or on a highway, it's important to slow down and obey all signage. Every year there are reports of people driving around barricades and entering active construction zones. This puts lives at risk.

"At the City of Regina, crews work every day to maintain and improve the infrastructure that residents rely on,” said Kurtis Doney, Deputy City Manager, City Operations, City of Regina. “Workers and equipment may be close to traffic in a work zone. We are reminding drivers to slow down to help prevent injuries and keep our employees safe."

On average, 190 collisions are reported to SGI each year in Saskatchewan work zones, resulting in 38 injuries and one death, based on a five-year average from 2020 to 2024. 

“At the WCB, we see the real impact workplace injuries have on workers, families and communities. Work zones are workplaces and every worker has the right to get home safely,” said Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board CEO Phillip Germain. “Prevention is a shared responsibility. Every driver who slows down, follows signs and stays alert helps protect workers. Our message is simple: respect the zone so we all get home.”

Drivers must slow down according to the posted speed limit, when in work zones. 

Drivers must also slow when:

• Approaching a law enforcement vehicle or emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing.
• Passing machinery or equipment when stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing.
• Passing a tow or service truck with its amber and/or blue beacon flashing while it’s assisting a vehicle.

Speeding fines are more expensive in work zones. Drivers will also receive demerits on their license.

Drivers can check the Highway Hotline for more information on highway work zones Hotline.gov.sk.ca. In Regina residents can check Regina.ca/ConstructionMap.