As families in Greater Victoria settle into their back-to-school routines, traffic across the region is growing heavier. With more cars on the road and a surge in construction projects, road safety experts are calling on drivers to slow down and protect roadside workers.
A new initiative, the Work Zone Safety Campaign, is raising awareness about the dangers faced by those working close to moving traffic. The campaign, launched by Road Safety at Work, stresses the need for patience and focus during this busy season.
Officials warn that a mix of warm weather, returning commuters, and holiday travel increases risks for road crews. Drivers rushing on unfamiliar routes or distracted by mobile phones make work zones even more hazardous. Heat-related stress only adds to the challenges for both motorists and workers.
The campaign highlights the human side of road work. It reminds drivers that every roadside worker has family and friends waiting for them to come home safely. Campaign spokesperson Trace Acres explained that work zones remain one of the most dangerous areas on the road network. Too often, near-misses or accidents occur because a driver was speeding or looking at a phone instead of the road.
The statistics are sobering. Between 2015 and 2024, nine roadside workers in British Columbia lost their lives, and 267 others suffered serious injuries that forced them off the job. These incidents underline why safety campaigns continue to be necessary.
Chris Ruddick, an operations manager with a local contracting company and a member of the Island Equipment Owners Association, has seen both the good and the bad from drivers. He notes that many motorists do respect speed limits and signage, but not all show the same care. Too often, some fail to grasp just how risky the roadside environment can be.
Ruddick explained that modern safety tools are helping reduce the risks. Signage, cones, barriers, and high-visibility clothing make work zones more noticeable. In addition, automated flagger assistance devices—remote-controlled systems that use gates and flags—are being introduced to limit worker exposure to direct traffic.
Even with these tools, Ruddick stresses that driver awareness remains the most important factor. He urged motorists to see roadside crews not as obstacles but as people doing essential jobs. From clearing drains and collecting recycling to fixing sidewalks and improving landscaping, their work benefits the very drivers who pass them daily.
The campaign outlines three simple rules to protect roadside worker safety in Victoria: slow down and drive at posted speed limits, pay attention and put phones away, and obey all traffic signs and flagging personnel. Officials also remind drivers that construction speed limits remain in effect even when workers are not visible. Many crews may be nearby, setting up or wrapping up work, and not immediately in sight.
At the heart of the campaign is a message of shared responsibility. Roadside workers help keep communities safe and infrastructure running smoothly. In return, they need drivers to approach work zones with caution and respect. Safety experts agree that simple actions—reducing speed, staying alert, and respecting signage—can prevent tragedies. As traffic grows with the new school year and late-summer projects, slowing down could be the difference between life and death for someone working just a few meters from fast-moving vehicles.
The reminder is clear: every worker on the roadside is someone’s friend, parent, or child. By making safe driving choices, Greater Victoria residents can help ensure that roadside crews finish their day as planned—returning safely to their families.
