Construction workers say irresponsible drivers on New Brunswick highways are to blame for two incidents in one week involving paint trucks.
“Unfortunately it appears that it's just to do with lack of driver attentiveness,” said Norman Clouston, general manager of MRDC Operations Corporation. “They need, again, to focus on their driving and look ahead.”
No one was seriously injured in the crash just west of Salisbury, N.B., but area residents say there have been other close calls.
“That man doing the lines is doing his job, and was doing it right, and let us know he was coming through,” said local resident Elaine Wortman. “I think everybody just has to have more patience.”
The driver of the transport truck has been charged under the Motor Vehicle Act, but RCMP have not revealed what the charge is.
A piece of safety equipment called a trailer-mounted attenuator (TMA) prevented serious injury in both crashes. MRDC, the group responsible for maintaining the section of highway, says it’s an essential but costly tool added to an already pricey cleanup.
“These TMAs run in the order of $30,000 to $35,000 apiece,” said Clouston. “Unfortunately, this is the second accident for the same contractor, and it's not only damage to the TMA, but it's also the vehicle that tows it and the property damage to the highway.”
The majority of the large white paint spill has been cleaned up, but with construction season in full swing on New Brunswick roads, the collisions are renewing calls for caution and safety.
“There's more traffic, people travel more,” said New Brunswick Transportation Minister Roger Melanson. “Within the province, or tourists coming in, please be safe, please slow down. Think about who's coming ahead and who's working on these sites.”
Those in the area stress vigilance as the roads get busier and construction season continues.
“All of us are guilty of not slowing down,” said Wortman. “We all have to learn to slow down and be patient.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Cami Kepke.
