B.C. launches Chinese language version of road safety campaign

Richmond, B.C. — In an effort to reach more drivers with its roadwork safety campaign, British Columbia has created driver safety signs in both the English language and traditional Chinese.
Drivers in Richmond will be getting a reminder in these two languages about the importance of driving slowly and safely near roadside workers. WorkSafeBC, Graham Construction, the B.C. Construction Safety Alliance, the City of Richmond and the SUCCESS Foundation will be unveiling signs in English and traditional Chinese as part of the Slow Down initiative later this week.

This is the first time the Slow Down campaign has displayed signs in a language other than English. The addition of another language to the signs is consistent with WorkSafeBC’s efforts to reach out to diverse communities, according to a statement by WorkSafeBC.

Slow Down has been a feature at a wide range of roadside worksites across B.C. since July 2007. The project consists of large signs featuring near-life-sized photos of local workers and their families. The goal is to encourage drivers to reduce their speeds and pay closer attention to traffic control directions as they pass through worksites.

This is the first time a Richmond, B.C., jobsite has participated in Slow Down. Drivers can expect to see the signs in the work zone through the end of construction, which is expected in February 2013.