The 2022 Safe Roads campaign launched today during Canada Road Safety Week (May 17-23) reminding motorists to reduce their speed and drive extra cautiously as the summer construction season brings more workers to Manitoba roadways.
“This remains an important issue for the many MGEU members whose workplace doesn’t have walls or desks, but is on or near the highways and roads we all drive,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “Their safety and health is paramount, because at the end of the day every worker deserves to get home safely.”
The theme of this year’s campaign is Speeding Will Get You Here Faster, which focuses on the consequences of speeding and aims to increase awareness through social media, radio spots, and billboards. The campaign features different possible outcomes of a motorist’s decision to put at risk the lives of highways workers, emergency responders, construction workers, tow truck drivers, and others who make their living on or near highways and roads.
“Far too often we hear about near misses or tragic accidents in or near construction zones or where emergency responders are working to save lives,” Ross said. “These are accidents are entirely avoidable if we are driving to the speed limit and practicing vigilance and safety. And while we know this campaign is having an impact, we must rededicate ourselves each year to keeping the message out there and keeping work zones safe zones.
The MGEU has been a partner in the Safe Roads campaign for over 15 years, and shares the campaign’s vision emphasizing the importance of educating motorists about the need to practice safe and respectful driving to protect workers and get them home safely after their shift. For further information, contact www.safemanitoba.com