Partners in Road Construction Safety Urge Albertans to Vow to Slow Down

EDMONTON, AB--(Marketwired - May 18, 2016) -  Alberta drivers continue to speed through busy road construction zones, putting their lives and the lives of the workers at risk.

The Partners in Road Construction Safety (PIRCS) today launched their annual campaign asking Alberta drivers to take a pledge at VowToSlowDown.ca with the goal of engaging Alberta drivers to make a commitment to driving the posted speed limits in road construction zones.

"We are asking Alberta drivers to take action this road construction season in two important ways. First, by going online and taking the pledge at VowToSlowDown.ca, which is a promise made to road construction workers to be diligent while driving through road construction zones," said Heidi Harris-Jensen, Chair of Partners in Road Construction Safety. "Second, we want drivers to uphold their pledge and follow the posted speed limits. Our data from the last two seasons shows approximately 46 per cent of Alberta drivers are still not slowing down and following posted speed limits in road construction sites. Our goal is to engage drivers to take this pledge and significantly decrease the percentage of non-compliance in the province."

City of Edmonton Councillor Ed Gibbons was one of the first people to take the pledge and vow to slow down today. Gibbons, alongside a number of construction safety partners, gathered on May 18 at a road construction site in Edmonton to take the pledge and officially launch the VowToSlowDown.ca website. Gibbons also proclaimed May 18, 2016 as Vow to Slow Down day in the City of Edmonton.

The pledge is open for all Albertans to make via the website: www.VowToSlowDown.ca. Those who take the pledge are eligible for various rewards as thanks from the road construction workers for keeping their workplace safe.

Albertans will be able to share and encourage others to also take the pledge online through various social media platforms, or by sharing via the #VowToSlowDown hashtag.

"This is the first time we've truly harnessed the power of social media to engage and encourage Albertans to help us share this important message," said Harris-Jensen. "We know there are many ambassadors out there who encourage drivers to slow down and be safe, and this summer we hope they will stand up, take the pledge and amplify the message for and with us."

There will be a number of surprise perks from PIRCS for those who do take the pledge. Representatives from PIRCS will be popping up across Alberta over the summer giving away goodies as thanks to Albertans who vow to slow down.

PIRCS also reminds Albertans they can be more proactive about their route planning by paying attention to construction updates online or by phone through 511 Alberta before they head out on the road.

SUGGESTED SOCIAL POST

I #VowToSlowDown this road construction season to keep workers and motorists safe. You can take the pledge here: www.vowtoslowdown.ca

ABOUT PIRCS

The Partners in Road Construction Safety was formed in 2002 to reduce collisions in road construction zones and improve driver attitudes towards road and utility workers.

PIRCS partners include Alberta Transportation, the Alberta Construction Safety Association, the City of Edmonton, the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, City of St. Albert, Strathcona County, EPCOR, Edmonton Police Service, City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, 511 Alberta, and Alberta Labour.

ABOUT 511 ALBERTA

Up-to-date road reports, including construction information and traffic delays, is a click or a phone call away (5-1-1 toll-free). Visit 511.alberta.ca or follow on Twitter @511Alberta to get on the road to safer travel.

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