Police watching for speeders in work zones in July

As construction season continues on Saskatchewan highways, SGI and RCMP detachments will be placing a special emphasis on safe driving in work zones during July.

Last year, there were 1,230 convictions for speeding in work zones in the province with 203 collisions resulting in 67 injuries. Staff Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt of the Battlefords RCMP said those numbers are alarming.

“Whether it’s in work zones or on the open road, the bottom line is that drivers need to slow down on the highways,” Woolfitt said. “These workers are out there doing a job and every day they are put in danger because of a careless driver.”

He added that generally, speed limits in work zones are 60 km/h however they may vary depending on the logistics or type of work being done.

“Speeding through work zones is a safety concern,” Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund, said. “It puts workers at risk, so fines are significant. Police will be paying close attention to vehicles travelling through work zones, and photo speed enforcement cameras will also be set up in some highway construction zones to catch speeders. Watch your speed in orange zones. It may save a life and it may save you from a hefty fine.”

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McCune said motorists who exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h will be fined $440. If you are going 40 km/h over the limit, the fine increases to over $1,000.

SGI encourages motorists to check the Highway Hotline before you leave for your destination and to give yourself plenty of time to get there.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW