SLOW DOWN - SAVE LIVES

In advance of the Saskatchewan Day long weekend, drivers are reminded to be careful when travelling the province's highways and slow down to the posted speed limit of 60 km/h in Orange Zones or face substantial fines.

"The Saskatchewan Day long weekend is one of the busiest of the year, and that unfortunately means accidents tend to increase," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "We are urging drivers to watch out for road construction or other hazards, and to take extra care when driving this weekend."

In the Orange Zone, drivers that exceed 60 km/h when passing a highway worker or flag person will be significantly charged, however more important is the safety of the highway workers.

"Our province's highway workers are doing a great job, but recklessness in the Orange Zone is a danger to highway workers, and to drivers and passengers," Wartman said.

Motorists are alerted to Orange Zones by a diamond-shaped orange sign depicting the black image of a highway worker. Upon entering the zone, a flag person may help direct traffic. Flashing light-boards with arrows may also be on site to assist motorists. Once through the Orange Zone, normal highway speed may be resumed.

For information on road conditions, including construction and maintenance zones, contact the Highway Hotline: in Regina, call 787-7623; in Saskatoon, call 933-8333; and for all other regions, call the toll-free number at 1-888-335-7623. Cell phone users on the SaskTel Cellular Network can dial *ROAD.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306)787-8484 Email: kleatherdale@highways.gov.sk.ca