For immediate release: May 20, 2020
WINNIPEG – The 2020
SAFE Roads campaign officially launched today. The annual campaign reminds motorists to lower their speed and drive with extra caution as the summer construction season brings more workers to Manitoba roadways.
"The injury risk increases drastically during spring and summer, as road construction projects get underway throughout Manitoba," said Ron Schuler, Minister of Infrastructure. "These injuries are preventable. All motorists should remember that those working on and around our roadways are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace, just like all workers."
The theme of the campaign is
Slow Down. We Work Where You Drive. It aims to increase awareness through social media, radio ads and other media that feature construction workers, emergency responders and others who make their living on and near our province's roads.
Jamie Hall, Chief Operating Officer of SAFE Work Manitoba, said the annual SAFE Roads campaign plays a critical role in the overall effort to reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses in Manitoba.
"Manitobans who work on and around our roadways face an injury risk unlike any other. For taking this risk and for the work they do, motorists owe them their attention and caution. We all need to slow down when driving in construction zones and other areas where they work.”
Mayor Brian Bowman reminded drivers that for many workers, the road is the workplace. “As the City of Winnipeg embarks upon another year of historic funding for road construction, it is important to remind drivers that roads are a workplace for thousands of Winnipeggers. We all have a part to play to make our roads safer for everyone, and the most important message to drivers who approach construction zones is to use caution and just slow down.”
The annual SAFE Roads campaign has led to increased awareness among drivers of the need to protect the safety and health of Manitoba workers, according to Chris Lorenc, President of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and Chair of the SAFE Roads Committee.
"Our research shows the majority of Manitobans are aware of the SAFE Roads campaign and messages about the need to drive with caution when there are workers on or near the roadside," he said.
Video Messages
Please see below for video messages from:
Chris Lorenc – President of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association & Chair of the SAFE Roads Committee
Ron Schuler – Minister of Infrastructure
Brian Bowman – Mayor of Winnipeg
Jamie Hall – Chief Operating Officer, SAFE Work Manitoba
About SAFE Roads
Established in 2004, the SAFE Roads vision is to educate motorists and the general public to practise respectful and safe driving practices to protect the safety of construction, utility, emergency services personnel, equipment operators and all those who work in or adjacent to our province's roadways.
