The 2024 SAFE Roads spring campaign officially launched today reminding motorists across the province to reduce their speed and drive with extra caution as the construction season brings more workers to Manitoba roadways.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the multi-partner campaign – featuring ads on social media, radio, and billboards throughout the province over the summer months. The campaign builds on last year’s successful theme, They're Not in Your Way, They're at Work, which reminds motorists to slow down and keep workers safe.
“MGEU members are out there, day and night, to make our travels ― and our lives ― safer. And the reality is, these members’ jobs can sometimes leave them vulnerable,” said MGEU 1st Vice President, Cris Quon at the campaign launch in Brandon. “That’s why we feel so strongly about public campaigns like SAFE Roads.”
A report provided by the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba shows that 240 transportation-related accidents occurred within the construction industry between 2018 and 2022. And with higher summer traffic volume, there comes a higher potential for workplace injuries.
"It only takes one motorist to turn a construction site into a danger zone," said Chris Lorenc, President and CEO of the Manitoba Heavy Construction and Chair of the SAFE Roads Committee. "We ask motorists to be respectful, slow down and drive with caution so our workers can get home safely."
About SAFE Roads
As a founding partner of the SAFE Roads campaign in 2004, the MGEU represents hundreds of provincial workers, as well as Winnipeg paramedics who work on or near Manitoba roadways. The SAFE Roads Committee is comprised of partners who are dedicated to educating motorists and the general public about respectful, safe driving practices to protect construction, utility, emergency services personnel, equipment operators, and all those who work in or adjacent to our province’s roadways.
SAFE Roads Committee Partners:
- Manitoba Heavy Construction Association & WORKSAFELY™ Program
- Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union
- City of Winnipeg
- Manitoba Public Insurance
- City of Brandon
- SAFE Work Manitoba, a division of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
- Manitoba Infrastructure
- Heavy Equipment & Aggregate Truckers
- Manitoba Trucking Association
- Construction Safety Association of Manitoba
- Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs
- Construction Association of Rural Manitoba