Road safety urged as roadworks spread

(CNS): With new roads and road repair work going on all over Grand Cayman, the National Roads Authority (NRA) is making safety a priority and has planned specialised training this month for road workers. The authority is also urging drivers to play their part and pay close attention to signs and cones in construction zones. The NRA will begin a training seminar next week aimed at reinforcing proper work-zone safety practices and principles for workers on public roads. The goal, officials said, is to improve standards for roadworks and repairs by improving traffic-management practices.

“A new, comprehensive accountability regime will also be introduced for agencies and companies involved in this work,” officials stated in a government release. “An important component of this will be the launch of new construction- and maintenance-standards for road repairs, including open road trenches and utility manholes.”

The training classes will take place at the NRA, led by Skills Training Centre Ltd, a contracted company that has provided safety operational training on new roads and street-works since 1992. This United Kingdom firm is Exor-accredited and a part of the Alcumus Group (the market-leaders in providing technology-enabled compliance risk-management services).

But the NRA’s management is hoping that as well as its own commitment to creating safe and effective environments for road workers and road users, motorists will do their part to ensure road safety.

“By paying attention to Road Work Ahead signs, orange construction zone signs and electronic message boards, drivers can help ensure the safety of motorists as well as workers in roadway construction zones,” the NRA said.

Road-construction is underway at numerous locations on Grand Cayman, which includes improving road surfaces and intersections, installing new signs, pavement markings and grass-cutting, as well as road construction.

The NRA offers these tips to help motorists:

• SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY if you see a “Road Works Ahead” sign

• Keep a safe distance between you, the workers and their equipment

• Schedule enough time to drive safely and expect some delays

• Pay attention to traffic-control signs and devices

• Know and pay attention to Work Zone signs

• Stay focused & avoid distractions

• Pay attention to other drivers

• Keep an eye out for road workers

• Expect the unexpected

• Keep up with the traffic flow

• Be patient and stay calm