Safe Driving In Highway Construction Zones Urged

Governor Pataki last July signed into law the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, which promotes safety in New York's highway work zones and increases penalties for those convicted of speeding within them.  The law was designed to enhance driver education, increase the accountability of drivers and create a more sensible work zone in which to travel. 

Major Michael T. Manning, Troop Commander, New York State Police Troop “A” offered two simple words of advice to motorists, ‘Slow down!  Unfortunately, this advice needs to be repeated time and time again.  It simply doesn't apply to work zones, but during inclement weather, periods of reduced visibility, and during everyday driving as we attempt to reach our destinations.  It is good advice and bears repeating…Slow down!” 

New legislation passed in 2005 allows for increased penalties, including license suspension, for those convicted of two or more speeding violations in a work zone,” Major Manning said.  “And the chance of being ticketed for speeding in and around work zones will increase this year with greater coordination between the State Police and NYSDOT to dedicate Troopers to more construction projects than ever before.  The New York State Police in Troop “A” have written 355 traffic tickets in work zones this year alone, 226 of those were for speeding.  Motorists traveling in New York State are being put on notice – Slow down!” Read more at dot.state.ny.us