Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 5 and the Highway Safety Network joined Exeter Township Police on 422 Monday morning to highlight work zone safety, reminding motorists to slow down and pay attention while driving in active work zones.
“Typically speed is a is a major contributing factor to a lot of our crashes, certainly our fatalities when we’re talking about motor vehicle accidents. We’re doing this speed enforcement, specifically in construction zones, because it’s become increasingly dangerous over the years for not only construction workers, but people entering those construction zone” said Sergeant Sean Fullerton, Exeter Township Police Department.
“Last year alone, almost 1,000 people passed away because of construction zone crashes, whether that’s tractor trailers hitting cars or construction workers getting hit, 1,000 is is way too many.”
Motorists who encounter a work zone are encouraged to keep the following tips in mind for their safety and the safety of highway workers: Drive the posted work zone speed limit. Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers. Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so. Maintain a safe distance around vehicles. Don’t tailgate. Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly. Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road. Always buckle up. Expect the unexpected. Be patient
What are the penalties? Motorists caught driving 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or involved in a crash can face a 15 day loss of license for driving dangerously. In addition, fines for certain traffic violations, including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices are doubled for active work zones.
The Exeter Township Police Department spent the remainder of the day enforcing speed in an active work zone on 422 Westbound just prior to 176 while PennDOT crews conducted a bridge inspection.
During the hours long enforcement operation, 12 drivers received a ticket for speeding, 1 being a commercial motor vehicle. The top speed of the day was 59 mph in the 40 mph work zone. Police noted that 6 other citations were issued, but did not specify what they were for.
