Motorists reminded to drive safely around roadworks

Motorists are being reminded of the dangers faced by road workers who carry out vital improvements and maintenance on our roads - in particular on the development of the South Devon Link Road.

Emergency Services, Local Authority Road Safety Teams and contractors Galliford Try are urging drivers to take extra care at road works in a bid to cut deaths and injuries of road workers.

Since 2010, eight road workers have been killed whilst improving and maintaining the road network in England – and around 2,200 road accidents where people are injured occur every year at or in road works.

Ray Harris, South Devon Group Support for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Speeding, lack of attention, the use of mobile phones, falling asleep at the wheel and aggressive driving have all contributed to crashes in road works.
 
“Any death or injury is one too many and we would like to send a clear message to drivers: do not risk lives and wreck families for the sake of a few seconds saved on a journey.”

Jim Watson, Project Director at Galliford Try, agreed: “The safety of both the general public and road workers is our number one priority - we do everything we can to keep both our road workers and road users safe.

“At all times, everyone who either comes to work on our road network or who uses it has the right to be safe and to go home without fear of injury or harm from working in this most challenging of environments.  Taking simple measures will keep workers, and other road users safe.”

Paul Ewings, Chief Engineer (Highways and Traffic) at Devon County Council, said: “Road workers are just trying to do their job to improve our roads – their work ensures that the roads across the region remain safe and well maintained for all who use them.

“Road workers deserve respect in their workplace - it’s expected that a great number of road workers will work on the scheme over the life of the project and it’s crucial that motorists show them consideration by keeping within the speed limit and driving safely.”

Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver, said: “Although the new road will bring massive benefits to the area, we all need to remember to drive safely and carefully.

“Road workers undertake a very difficult job carrying out vital work on our roads – speed restrictions and cones are there to keep road users safe, as well as providing a safe area for workers.”

To reduce the risk of incidents, drivers approaching road works are being asked to:

• Keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety.
• Get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching.
• Concentrate on the road ahead.
• Be alert for traffic leaving or entering road works.
• Keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front.
• Observe all signs – they are there to help you.
• Avoid all forms of distraction – mobile phones, texts.
• Be prepared – leave plenty of time and be patient.
• Be alert for road workers – the roads are their workplace.