Grey County is urging motorists to remain patient and help keep road workers safe, noting an alarming increase in dangerous driving and hostility in recent years.
The County plans to spend $3.75 million in general road maintenance this year, on top of road construction projects.
Drivers should slow down and pay attention to warning signs, a person flagging with a sign, or flashing yellow lights from a maintenance vehicle.
It's important to give workers as much space as possible and never pass a maintenance vehicle or enter the oncoming lane if it’s unsafe
The County aims to keep its 887 kilometre road system up to and above provincial maintenance standards, which includes sometimes underappreciated tasks, such as patching potholes, mowing weeds and grasses, and repainting lines. Workers will also be out inspecting and improving bridges, clearing ditches and replacing culverts.
"Road maintenance may delay your day by a few seconds or a few minutes, but it’s not worth taking a risk, being rude or putting others in danger," noted a statement from Grey County.
Nearly all this work is performed without closing the roads, though lane reductions may occur on certain jobs.
"Be considerate and patient and remember that road workers are not just County employees or contractors, they are members of the community. They could be your neighbour, a coach, or a volunteer. No delay is worth someone’s life," the statement concluded.