Road repairs ultimately benefit all of us, but the process of getting the roads fixed, repaved, and/or widened is something most drivers have come to dread. In the greater Philadelphia area, traffic on roads such as I-95, the PA Turnpike, Street Road, Route 332 (Newtown Bybass), and Route 1 is already stifling, but add to that the presence huge road work trucks and workers, temporary road barriers, lots of additional noise, flashing lights, lane closures, and lane shifts. With this you may find yourself wondering, “What are the rules when driving through a PA work zone?” Bucks County personal injury lawyer Michael L. Saile, Jr. cautions that there are work zone safety laws in Pennsylvania that you must be aware of.
Here are work zone safety laws that are strictly enforced in Pennsylvania:
- Headlights on. A $25 fine could be given out if you are driving without lit headlights in a posted work zone.
- Do not speed. Motorist who are caught driving 11 miles or more per hour over the posted work zone speed limit will lose their license for 15 days.
- Fines for traffic violations including speeding, DUI (driving under the influence), and failure to obey traffic devices, are double in active work zones.
- Five years extra jail time for those found guilty of homicide by vehicle for a crash that happened in an active work zone.
It is important that you are alert to the Pennsylvania work zone safety laws when you are traveling. While the monetary penalties are steep, also consider that Pennsylvania accidents causing serious injuries, and even fatalities, can occur if you are not paying attention to speed limit changes, flaggers, or other traffic devices while driving through a work zone.
Being aware of and obeying these construction zones rules will help you avoid an accident with other cars and road workers. Be extra careful at night. Always wear your seat belt and remind your passengers to do the same. Also keep in mind the following tips in order to remain safe and to help ensue the safety of those men and women who are completing the road repairs:
- Stay alert. Keep your full attention on the roadway and the construction signs that are posted.
- Do not tailgate. Leave a comfortable driving space between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will avoid rear-end collisions.
- Avoid distractions! Do not text or adjust any GPS device or radio in the car. Refrain from eating and drinking.
- Be patient. Construction zones can cause traffic and slow speeds. Many construction workers are on the side of the road, so be aware of them and the drivers around you.
There is no reason why we shouldn’t all adhere to these basic driving behaviors at all times in an effort to reduce the high number of Philadelphia area auto accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Pennsylvania auto accident due to a careless driver, contact the PA personal injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC. You can reach us at 215-642-2335. You can also receive immediate information by downloading our FREE car accident book HERE.
