Car Accidents Threaten PennDOT Workers

October 2008

Local PennDOT crews are out on major Pennsylvania highways every night, from sundown until sun-up. Although traffic flow is reduced during these hours, limited visibility makes the 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. shift one of the most dangerous.

In the Pittsburgh region of PA alone, there have been more than 900 car crashes in PennDOT work zones since 2003. About one-third of those accidents happen in the dark. Despite the fact that workers wear reflective gear and hardhats, they say that most motorists do not see them.

PennDOT workers are urging motorists to stay alert, pay attention, and stay off of cell phones when driving through work zones. If safety concerns are not enough to slow some drivers down, there is another factor that may catch their attention – fines for those caught speeding or driving carelessly in work zones range from $200 to $350.