The BC Cone Zone campaign, now in its 11th year, sets out to remind drivers, employers, and workers to do their part to prevent injuries and deaths of roadside workers in Penticton and other communities in the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District.
Roadside work is a dangerous job. Between 2011 and 2020, 12 roadside workers were killed and 207 were injured in B.C. Last year, 23 workers were injured because of being hit by a vehicle.
The risks to roadside workers are more prevalent in the summer months because roadside work increases at this time of year and traffic levels typically rise.
The campaign reminds drivers to slow down when approaching a Cone Zone and to pay attention to instructions from traffic control persons, temporary road signs, and traffic control devices.
In addition, under the “Slow Down, Move Over” law, drivers should be prepared to reduce speed and if safe to do so, move over to an open lane when approaching a vehicle with flashing amber, red, or blue lights which can mean a tow truck, fire, police or ambulance.
Cone Zones are work areas set up by roadside workers to protect themselves and the driving public.
Road work is underway all over Penticton, along parts of Highway 97 and in Naramata.
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