We want every traffic control VMS board to display “Kill your speed, not us!” because we are the ones standing on the road every day, putting our lives at risk to protect drivers, workers, and the public. Too many of us have had near misses, been injured, or lost workmates because someone refused to slow down.

This isn’t just a feeling — the numbers back it up. On average, there are 18 fatal worksite crashes and 245 serious injuries every year in Australia’s roadwork zones. In Western Australia alone, 3 traffic controllers have been killed in just the last two years. And shockingly, research shows that up to 98% of drivers speed through roadwork zones.

We’re not asking drivers for much — just to take their foot off the accelerator. Those few seconds they think they’re saving could cost one of us our lives. Behind every stop/slow bat is a person with a family, friends, and a future — and we deserve to make it home at the end of every shift.

“Kill your speed, not us!” is more than a slogan. It’s a reminder that we’re not just hi-vis vests on the side of the road. We are people, and our lives matter.

It only takes a few words on a screen to save lives. Let’s make this happen — for us, for our families, and for every road user.