The OPP is urging drivers to be extra careful going through Hwy. 401 construction zone across Chatham-Kent.
There's been a spike in crashes in that area, including two fatalities lately and Constable Jay Denorer says drivers should be prepared for possible delays in these areas and plan accordingly.
Denorer says motorists should remain vigilant at all times, particularly in construction zones, where inattention behind the wheel can lead to tragic consequences.
"As you're approaching the construction zone, heed the warning of the speed limit. Slow down to 80 km/h and keep a safe distance. Keep a buffer zone in case something happens so you have room to stop," says Denorer.
Drivers are reminded that speeding fines are doubled in construction zones where workers are present and that driver's licences and vehicle seizures apply for speeding in those areas.
The OPP will be closely monitoring traffic in these areas and actively enforcing the Highway Traffic Act.
Denorer says when approaching a construction zone, proceed with caution and obey all warning signs, people and/or devices that are directing traffic through the area.
"It has nothing to do with the design. The MTO has done their studies and they've setup the construction zone so it's one of the safest places you can be. However, you don't give room and you're following too close and have no room to stop, you're going to collide with the vehicle in front of you," Denorer says.
Denorer says often, lower speed limits are posted to increase worker safety and notify drivers of road hazards.
"They are narrow when you're going through but you can safely navigate through the construction zone. If at any minute you take your eyes off the road and you get distracted by your phone or you go to pick something up, you don't have that split second to make a decision. You can't do it while you're distracted," says Denorer.
Many of the crashes across Chatham-Kent involve tractor trailers but the new president of the Ontario Trucking Association says two thirds of crashes involving trucks aren't the driver's fault.