Enhancements to City equipment improve safety for staff and drivers

While public education can help keep road workers safe, workers are risking their lives more and more as traffic and construction work increase each year. Drivers will soon see some new vehicles and detour materials on the road as the City enhances the way they set up work zones and traffic detours. 

“We’re anxious to start using these new vehicles for work on high-traffic roads and freeways,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “The equipment and modifications will act as physical barriers to protect staff from vehicles, and we’ve enhanced the set-up further with clear message boards, bright reflective colours, and state-of-the-art cameras with night-vision.”  

Two different vehicles were added to the City’s fleet this summer: a multi-purpose truck with a modified truck bed and digital arrow signage to be used when setting up a work zone; and one with a crash cushion that acts as a physical barrier for moving work zones with a large message board.  

“Our staff witness drivers who are distracted or speeding every day when they work alongside traffic,” says Schmidt. “Rushing to get somewhere quickly could cost someone their life. Please take some extra time when passing a work zone.”  

July is Work Zone Safety Month. The City’s annual Respect Work Zones public awareness campaign reminds drivers to slow down in a work zone and obey signs, using testimonials from real City workers talking about their close calls with drivers in a work zone. 

Saskatoon drivers are getting the message: compared to 2017, Saskatoon Police Service issued 29% fewer speeding tickets in work zones in 2019. Staff also report fewer drivers speeding through work zones posted with reduced speed signs to slow to 30 km/hr.  

Learn more and find ads at saskatoon.ca/respectworkzones