Signs posted along state highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike implore motorists to be mindful of workers in road construction areas, saying "Give Them a Brake."
The state is taking that approach with motorists traveling through work zones - at least for now.
A new state law that took effect Feb. 21 requires motorists traveling through posted, active work zones to turn on their headlights.
By June 23, people driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit in active work zones will face mandatory 15-day driver's license suspensions. Anyone crashing a vehicle in a work zone will face the same suspension.
The fine remains double for speeding in work zones.
The key word in the new law is "active."
To be considered an active work zone, signs must be posted, said Jay Ofsanik, safety press officer for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 12 office in Uniontown. These signs will have flashing white lights that indicate road work is being conducted. Without the proper signage, the law is not applicable, Ofsanik said.
The idea is to help motorists and construction workers see each other in work zones, Ofsanik said.
"It's really for their safety as well as for the workers," Ofsanik said. "More motorists die in work zones than workers."
Statistics appear to bear that out. In 2000 and 2002, 27 people died in highway accidents in work zones. Twenty-four of the victims were motorists. In 2001, 11 of the 20 people killed in work zone accidents were motorists.
The leading causes of work zone traffic accidents are excessive speed, inattention, aggressive driving and tailgating, Ofsanik said.
State police Lt. Charles Depp, station commander for Troop B in Uniontown, said motorists are receiving warnings, not tickets, if they fail to turn on their headlights.
"This is to get the people to cooperate," Depp said. "As this continues, if the situation does not improve, we'll have to begin issuing tickets. We're trying to give the public a break."
Depp said the simple action of reaching over to turn on the headlights may remind motorists to slow down.
It could be costly soon if motorists don't slow down and turn on their headlights.
By June 23, when the bulk of the state law goes into effect, the fines would exceed $300 for speeding through a work zone without headlights on.
"This is not to inconvenience motorists, but to make it safer for them; $300 in fines is better than sitting at home with a broken leg, or worse, being killed," Depp said.
