‘Respect the zone’: Saskatchewan drivers reminded to slow down

Officials warn work zones bring increased risks and ask motorists to stay alert and cautious during construction season.

With construction season underway across Saskatchewan, officials are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert as work zones become a daily part of commutes.

“Construction season is essential to keeping Saskatchewan moving by supporting our economy, connecting our communities and ensuring our roads remain safe and reliable,” said Highways Minister Kim Gartner. “While it can mean short-term delays, the long-term benefits are critical.”

Drivers are reminded to obey posted speed limits, follow signage and watch for flag personnel in both urban and highway work zones. Officials say unsafe behaviours, including driving around barricades, continue to put workers and motorists at risk.

On average, 190 collisions occur annually in Saskatchewan work zones, resulting in 38 injuries and one death, according to SGI data from 2020 to 2024.

“At the City of Regina, crews work every day to maintain and improve the infrastructure that residents rely on,” said Kurtis Doney, a Regina deputy city manager of City Operations.

“Workers and equipment may be close to traffic in a work zone. We are reminding drivers to slow down to help prevent injuries and keep our employees safe.”

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (SWCB) says work zones should be treated as active workplaces.

“Every worker has the right to get home safely,” said SWCB CEO Phillip Germain.

“Prevention is a shared responsibility. Every driver who slows down, follows signs and stays alert helps protect workers.”

Drivers are also required to reduce speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles that have lights flashing, roadside equipment and tow or service vehicles that are assisting others. Fines for speeding in works zones are more costly and can include licence demerits.

City officials say even cautious driving can make a critical difference.

“When you’re driving, you can’t always tell how close you are to workers,” said Brandi Goebel, coordinator of construction programming with the city.

“Workers only feel the breeze of a vehicle passing by us. All it takes is one mistake.”