Image: supplied by Road Safety at Work

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Road Safety

Cone Zone campaign meant to slow drivers and protect workers

May 16, 2023 | 5:59 AM

CHILLIWACK — A province-wide campaign to protect roadside workers kicked off this week. The Cone Zone campaign is intended to educate motorists on the dangers faced by individuals who work along roads.

Worksafe BC statistics reveal 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,” said Trace Acres, Program Director for Road Safety at Work. “That’s how vulnerable roadside workers are. Sometimes, orange cones are the only things separating their work site from moving vehicles.”

Roadside workers can include anyone from road construction workers to tow truck operators and even landscapers preparing flowerbeds near roads.

Drivers can face stiff financial penalties for violating work zone driving laws. Penalties include $368 for using an electronic device such as a phone while driving, up to $253 for speeding, $121 for disobeying a traffic control device, and $196 for disobeying a flag person.

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“You have a legal responsibility to drive safely in a roadside work zone,” Acres said. “Slow down, pay attention, and avoid distractions. Follow instructions from road signs, traffic control persons, or traffic control devices.”

Chilliwack drivers may see new automated flagger assistance devices this year at work zones. The 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. The devices are becoming more popular.

The 13-year Cone Zone campaign is a provincial initiative supported by the Work Zone Safety Alliance and managed by Road Safety at Work.