The “We’re People Too” campaign reminds drivers that the physical and mental well-being of Victorian roadworkers rely heavily on drivers slowing down, being patient and showing respect to workers on the road.
The Traffic Management Association of Australia research reveals an increase in physical and verbal aggression from drivers towards roadworkers. Statistics show that roadworkers are verbally assaulted once a week on average, and once a fortnight a driver will refuse to stop when required.
With the Victorian Government launching a $964M road maintenance blitz, this is a timely reminder that driver actions can result in physical and psychosocial injury or death to roadworkers. Roadworker crews will be working on thousands of projects over the next 12 months, creating hazards including roadside excavations, heavy machinery on or near roads and limited space for through traffic.
The campaign will run from Nov 3 to New Year’s Eve and features roadworkers talking about their lives.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said “Roadworkers should be treated with respect as they carry out the important job of improving our road network” and “every Victorian deserves the right to feel safe at work”.
Read more - Show Respect, Slow Down And Keep Our Roadworkers Safe | Premier