Recently, the Vancouver (Canada) Police Department (VPD) went undercover as traffic control persons in partnership with WorkSafeBC, to protect traffic controllers working on Vancouver streets.
Road construction is a reality in the city as engineers work to improve traffic flow and infrastructure. With that construction there is an increased likelihood that drivers will experience traffic disruption and delays.
Traffic controllers are extremely vulnerable and put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis, protected by nothing more than reflective clothing and a traffic control sign.
Unfortunately, every year authorities see traffic controllers hit by vehicles that are operated by inattentive, aggressive, and distracted drivers.
Several Dozen Flaggers Hit and Injured
Between 2008 and 2012, 51 flaggers were hit and injured by motor vehicles while on the job, and nearly sixty percent of those collisions resulted in serious injuries. In that same time period, three traffic controllers were killed. Unfortunately in November of this year, officials saw another life needlessly lost as a result of an on-the-job traffic fatality.
“These workers are responsible for keeping traffic moving smoothly through construction zones to ensure the safety of on-site workers and the commuting public. They deserve the respect and attention of drivers,” stated Al Johnson, WorkSafeBC vice president, Prevention Services.
Starting last month, VPD officers stated they would be stepping up enforcement around construction zones and handing out tickets for speeding, distracted, and aggressive driving.
Among the possible violations for drivers not obeying the rules:
- A ticket for disobeying a construction speed sign could cost you $138
- Using an electronic device while driving, $167
- Texting or emailing while driving, $167
- Disobeying a driver’s license restriction/using an electronic device while driving, $167 (novice and learner drivers)
- And driving without due care and attention, $368.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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