Pennsylvania motorists should sharpen their driving habits in construction zones, as the state is now enforcing permanent speed safety measures. Drivers speeding more than 11 miles over the limit in work zones can expect a ticket, thanks to the latest activation of the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program. As reported by PhillyVoice, this initiative officially commenced after Governor Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 1284 into law last December, making the pilot program a permanent fixture.

A decline in speeding incidents by 38% and an even more notable drop in excessive speeding, at an impressive 47%, underscores the program's effectiveness. With work zone crashes cut by half, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll underscores the positive influence of these speed enforcement vehicles. In a detail provided by Skook News, the new regulations include a 15-day warning period after the mailing date of the first violation to encourage drivers to adjust their habits. However, subsequent offenses will trigger fines that climb for repeat offenders.

After February 15, the fines begin at $75 for a second offense and can rise to $150 for later violations. This emphasizes the program's focus on reining in excessive speeds, especially given the proximity of workers to active traffic in these zones. Craig Shuey, Pennsylvania Turnpike's Chief Operating Officer, stressed to Skook News the need for drivers to "reduce speed" and "pay attention" as they approach a work zone.

Pennsylvania's commitment to the safety of highway and turnpike workers has led to this stringent enforcement. With ten-speed enforcement vehicles at PennDOT's disposal and seven for the Turnpike, the state is serious about cracking down on distracted drivers. "They see somebody driving by watching a movie while they're driving right next to them," Shuey described in a statement obtained by ABC27.