Manitoba motorists are being reminded to drive obeying th erules of the roads and with safety in mind.

The 2016 SAFE Roads campaign kicked off this week and encourages Manitoba motorists to reduce speed and be cautious when driving through construction zones and passing workers.

Drivers are reminded to be considerate of workers' increased presence on roadways during the summer construction season.

"The SAFE Roads campaign is a timely reminder that motorists will share roadways with many workers in the busy summer ahead," said Blaine Pedersen, Minister of Infrastructure. "The driving public can do its part to keep these workers safe by slowing down and being extra cautious in construction areas."

The SAFE Roads campaign theme, "This is My Workplace. Slow Down," will be delivered to Manitobans through billboards and transit advertisements in an effort to increase the safety of those working on and near Manitoba roads.

“As a municipal government serving the public, we know that many of the City of Brandon’s front-line employees are working on and around busy streets on a regular basis,” said Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest. “All workers need to feel safe in their workplaces and those who happen to share our roadways as their workplace are no different. We all have a responsibility to stay vigilant when driving through construction zones or when approaching traffic scenes involving first responders.”

Dan Robertson, Brandon Regional Office Director with the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, stressed the preventable nature of all road-related injuries and deaths.
"At the WCB, we see the effects of workplace fatalities involving road work in Manitoba, and we know they're preventable," said Robertson. "Simply by slowing down when driving through construction zones and passing workers, we can prevent further injuries and loss of life."

The campaign asks all Manitobans to play a part in keeping workers safe by making the choice to drive safely and respectfully, a message that seems to be getting through.
"Our research shows that 84 per cent of people who are aware of the SAFE Roads campaign become more considerate, empathetic and understanding of workers and their designated work zones," said Chris Lorenc, President of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and Chair of the SAFE Roads Committee.

"We also chose this year's location for our campaign launch to show an active construction zone that helps reinforce our message: This is My Workplace. Slow Down, and to give all attending the opportunity to see what it feels like to be working so close to traffic and motorists."