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PennDOT Urges Drivers To Travel Safely Through Work Zones

Highway Safety News, PennDOT News | April 11th, 2016

As the weather warms up and construction projects get underway throughout the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is asking motorists to be cautious when traveling through work zones in order ensure their own safety and that of highway workers.

While driving in an active work zone, motorists should slow down, keep a safe distance between vehicles, and always be on the lookout for construction equipment entering or exiting the work area. In connection with National Work Zone Awareness, slated for April 11 to 15, PennDOT offers the following safety tips for drivers:

  • Drive the posted work-zone speed limit
  • Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers
  • Turn on the vehicle’s headlights
  • Do not tailgate other vehicles
  • Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly
  • Avoid distractions
  • Always buckle up
  • Expect the unexpected
  • Be patient

Drivers caught disobeying posted speed limits or causing a crash in a work zone can face increased fines and license suspensions.

Fines for certain traffic violations – including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices – are doubled for active work zones. Motorists caught driving 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically will lose their license for 15 days.