Employers urged to prepare for driving disruptions during major summer soccer events
Employers urged to prepare for driving disruptions during major summer soccer events
Indo-Canadian Voice Employers urged to prepare for driving disruptions during major summer soccer events posted by: Rattan MallROAD Safety at Work is encouraging employers to start preparing now for major traffic disruptions expected in Vancouver during international soccer activities in June and July. Employers with staff driving in or through downtown Vancouver may need to adjust schedules, rethink routes, and reduce unnecessary trips. Road closures, detours, increased pedestrian activity, and changing traffic […]
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ROAD Safety at Work is encouraging employers to start preparing now for major traffic disruptions expected in Vancouver during international soccer activities in June and July.
Employers with staff driving in or through downtown Vancouver may need to adjust schedules, rethink routes, and reduce unnecessary trips. Road closures, detours, increased pedestrian activity, and changing traffic patterns will affect travel around the city.
The issue is especially important for employees who drive as part of their job, since many work trips may still need to happen during busy periods.
“These kinds of large-scale events can increase congestion, frustration, distraction, and pressure behind the wheel,” says Trace Acres, spokesperson for Road Safety at Work. “Employers should be thinking now about how event-related traffic disruptions could affect workers, schedules, deliveries, and overall driving risk.”
Employers in B.C. are responsible for the safety of workers when they drive for work, even if they only do it occasionally or if they use personal vehicles. Motor vehicle incidents are the leading cause of work-related traumatic deaths in the province, and injure nearly 1,700 workers each year on average. Most incidents are preventable.
The City of Vancouver has announced a number of planned road closures and transportation changes around downtown and the stadium area during the World Cup festivities.
Road Safety at Work says employers can help reduce driving risks through advance planning. Encouraging employees to avoid unnecessary driving during busy periods is a simple first step. When travel is necessary, employers should require drivers to review routes and check closures and traffic conditions before leaving.
Other recommended steps include:
Considering ways to eliminate driving, including remote work and encouraging employees to use transit, walk, or cycle where practical
Adjusting driving schedules to avoid peak congestion times
Allowing extra travel time to reduce stress
Reminding drivers to stay focused and follow the employer’s safe driving policies
Drivers travelling into the Lower Mainland from other parts of B.C. may be less familiar with event-related road closures and traffic disruptions. “They may suddenly encounter detours, traffic control persons, and unusually heavy traffic,” Acres says. “Employer should remind their staff to expect delays so they aren’t making rushed decisions behind the wheel.”
Road Safety at Work reminds drivers to slow down, obey signs, watch carefully for pedestrians, and remain patient in congested areas.
For more information about managing work-related driving risks, visit Road Safety at Work.
Road Safety at Work is a WorkSafeBC Injury Reduction Initiative managed by the Justice Institute of BC. It aims to eliminate work-related motor vehicle incidents in B.C.
The Science World dome at night. Photo: Rattan Mall
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