Roadside workers have one of the most dangerous jobs, which is why drivers must slow down, Road Safety Advisory Council Chair Jim Cox said today.

“It’s not just slowing down for road construction workers, it’s also for police, fire, ambulance and RACT emergency rescue workers. The roadside is their workplace and all road users should respect it.”

Mr Cox said that two road-workers had been killed and one seriously injured since 2012.

“It does happen and it’s why we need to slow down in roadworks. A better road system is being built but it takes time. It’s better to be patient than risk causing a death or serious injury by going too fast through a roadworks site or not slowing down when you see emergency service workers.”

Acting Police Commander Doug Rossiter said that Police throughout the state would be concentrating their efforts on speeding today, the second day of Road Safety Week.

“Too often Police see the results of going too fast. It is better to arrive a little late rather than not at all.

“It is extremely concerning when some motorists ignore speed restrictions in roadworks sites. Speed restrictions are in place to make the area safer for both the workers in the area as well as motorists.

“Not only is this behaviour potentially dangerous to the roadworks and other road users, it often causes damage to the roadworks and extends work periods in those areas.

“Motorists are reminded to always obey speed limits in roadworks sites – it’s for their safety and the safety of road workers.”

Mr Rossiter said the road rules protected all road users and were designed to keep the roads safe.

“It is up to all road users to be responsible and do what they can to keep our roads safe.”