Workers, drivers both at risk in Cone Zones as roadside work increases at this time of year
Campaign kicks off with enforcement event, reminder that driving decisions affect lives
The roadside is a workplace for tens of thousands of BC workers every day. And every day their work puts them at risk of injury or death — especially in spring and summer, when there are more roadside work zones. Drivers and their passengers passing through work zones face similar dangers.
The provincewide Cone Zone campaign reminds drivers, workers, and employers that unsafe driving in roadside work zones puts people in danger. Work zones can include everything from long-term construction projects to a tow truck operator assisting a stranded driver to a moving van unloading while parked on a street.
The campaign launched this morning with a traffic enforcement event at a work zone in Langley. In less than 2 hours the BC Highway Patrol handed out 11 tickets for unsafe driving behaviours. Ten were for using a cell phone. The other was for a seatbelt violation.
The event emphasized the need for drivers to slow down and pay attention in work zones. According to WorkSafeBC statistics, 12 roadside workers were hit by a vehicle and killed in BC from 2012 to 2021. Another 221 were injured seriously enough to have to take time off work.
“Think about the workplace you go to every day. Now imagine cars and trucks whizzing by within just a few metres of you,” says Trace Acres, Program Director for Road Safety at Work and spokesperson for the 13th annual campaign. “That’s how vulnerable roadside workers are. Sometimes, orange cones are the only things separating their work site from moving vehicles weighing several tonnes.”
Driving decisions affect the lives of others
Roadside workers aren’t just road construction and maintenance crews. They’re also landscapers, municipal workers, tow truck operators, utility workers, emergency and enforcement personnel, and others.
“Your driving decisions affect lives,” says Acres. “Every worker is someone’s parent, child, friend, neighbour, or co-worker. How you drive in work zones can be the difference between them getting home safely after their shift or being injured or killed.”
Drivers and their passengers are at risk too. Going too fast, or driving distracted or aggressively, can cause rear-end collisions and other crashes. Drivers not paying attention or distracted by their phones could hit or be hit by vehicles and equipment working in the zone.
Drivers have legal responsibilities in work zones
The safest driving decision is to avoid Cone Zones if possible. Listen to traffic reports before and during your trip and adjust your route.
If that’s not possible, “you have a legal responsibility to drive safely in a roadside work zone,” Acres notes. “Slow down, pay attention, and avoid distractions. Follow instructions from road signs, traffic control persons, or traffic control devices.”
This year drivers may see something new as they approach work sites. Automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs) are becoming more common. These safety devices use a gate and traffic light to guide drivers. Vehicles need to stop when the gate is down and a red light is shining. Once the light changes to yellow and the gate rises, drivers can proceed.
If there are vehicles with red, blue or amber flashing lights, BC’s Slow Down and Move Over law (SDMO) applies. It requires drivers to switch to another lane if possible and it’s safe to do so. If there is no posted construction zone speed limit, then SDMO laws apply.
Penalties for unsafe driving in a work zone include:
- Using an electronic device while driving ($368)
- Speeding ($196 to $253)
- Disobeying a traffic control device ($121)
- Disobeying a flag person ($196)
Drivers, workers, employers all have a role in roadside safety
The Cone Zone campaign is a provincial initiative supported by the Work Zone Safety Alliance and managed by Road Safety at Work. Roadside worker safety is a collaboration between drivers, employers, and workers.
Employers are required by law to ensure safe and healthy workplaces for their roadside workers by providing job specific training, education, and supervision.
Roadside workers need to know how to identify hazards and assess risks. They need to follow safe work procedures and wear appropriate high-visibility clothing and other personal protective equipment. They’re required to report unsafe work conditions to their supervisor and have an obligation to refuse unsafe work.
For more tips on driving safely in a work zone visit ConeZoneBC.com.
Major provincial roadside projects for spring/summer 2023
Check the list of major provincial transportation and infrastructure projects involving roadside work zones for ones in your region.
Quotes
Harry Bains, Minister of Labour:
“Safety on the job goes beyond the traditional workplace. Unsafe driving leads to accidents and injuries that could be prevented, and proper employee and driver training is vital. Our government will continue to foster a culture that values worker health and safety, every day and for every workplace.”
Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure:
“With the summer road work season ramping up, I thank the employers who are making sure safety protocols are up to speed to keep their workers safe during this busy time on our highways. The Cone Zone campaign serves as a reminder to employers and drivers about the risks associated with road work zones and the importance of following Cone Zone guidelines.”
About the Work Zone Safety Alliance
The Work Zone Safety Alliance is comprised of: Ambulance Paramedics of BC, Automotive Retailers Association, BCAA, BC Construction Safety Alliance, BC Flagging Association, BC Highway Patrol RCMP, BC Hydro, BC Municipal Safety Association, BC Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association, BC Road Safe, CoreCode Safety and Compliance, Government of BC, IBEW Local 258, Insurance Corporation of BC, Justice Institute of British Columbia, K & K Consulting, LiUNA Local 1611, Mainroad Group, Metro Traffic Management, Road Safety at Work, SafetyDriven, Telus, Trans Mountain, Universal Group, Vancouver Island Construction Association, Vanguard Road Safety, and WorkSafeBC.
About Road Safety at Work
Road Safety at Work is a WorkSafeBC-funded initiative managed by the Justice Institute of British Columbia aimed at eliminating work-related motor vehicle crashes, deaths, and injuries in BC. Road Safety at Work offers free online resources — including courses, workshops, webinars, and consulting services — to help organizations plan, implement, and monitor effective road safety programs. Visit RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.
Media contact
Gord Woodward, Communications manager
Road Safety at Work
250-734-3652
gwoodward@roadsafetyatwork.ca