Pennsylvania took a step forward in improving road safety as the state officially rolls out its Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program, a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
The program, initially launched as a pilot initiative, has now been made permanent following the signing of House Bill 1284 into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on December 14, 2023.
During the five-year pilot phase, a notable reduction in speeding incidents within work zones was recorded.
According to data shared by PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, there was a 38% decrease in speeding incidents (1 mph or more over the limit) and a remarkable 47% decline in excessive speeding (11 mph or more over the limit) within these designated areas. Moreover, the presence of speed enforcement vehicles correlated with a significant reduction of up to 50% in work zone crashes.
Effective February 15, 2024, the program introduces several adjustments to enhance its impact. One significant change is the implementation of a 15-day warning period following the mail date of the first violation, allowing motorists time to become aware of the program and modify their driving behavior. Subsequent violations will incur fines, with penalties increasing for repeat offenders.
Pennsylvania's Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program employs vehicle-mounted systems equipped with electronic speed timing devices to detect and record instances of speeding exceeding 11 miles per hour above the posted limit. These cameras operate solely within active work zones, marked by advance signage to alert motorists. Violations are subject to civil penalties, with fines ranging from $75 for a second offense to $150 for subsequent violations.
"Speed safety cameras are important tools for discouraging drivers from exceeding posted speeds," explained PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. "Paying attention and reducing speed are critical as drivers approach a work zone where workers are inches from live traffic. The goal of this program is to build awareness and most importantly, to change unsafe driving behaviors."
Effective February 15, 2024, the program introduces several adjustments to enhance its impact. One significant change is the implementation of a 15-day warning period following the mail date of the first violation, allowing motorists time to become aware of the program and modify their driving behavior. Subsequent violations will incur fines, with penalties increasing for repeat offenders.
Pennsylvania's Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program employs vehicle-mounted systems equipped with electronic speed timing devices to detect and record instances of speeding exceeding 11 miles per hour above the posted limit. These cameras operate solely within active work zones, marked by advance signage to alert motorists. Violations are subject to civil penalties, with fines ranging from $75 for a second offense to $150 for subsequent violations.
"Speed safety cameras are important tools for discouraging drivers from exceeding posted speeds," explained PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. "Paying attention and reducing speed are critical as drivers approach a work zone where workers are inches from live traffic. The goal of this program is to build awareness and most importantly, to change unsafe driving behaviors."
"The pilot program demonstrated that even the first warning initiates a behavioral change as the percent of repeat offenders was less than 17 percent. Additionally, the program serves as a roadway reminder that safety is literally in each driver's hands when they are behind the wheel."
According to a press release from PennDOT, in 2022 alone, Pennsylvania witnessed 1,293 work zone crashes. Tragically, 42% of these crashes resulted in fatalities and/or injuries.
Submitted Photo - PACast