National Work Zone Awareness: Move Over Law takes effect this week

Monday marked the beginning of Work Zone Awareness week and changes made to Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law go into effect Tuesday.

“Last year, 55 state police vehicles were struck while troopers were responding to traffic stops, disabled motorists, or crash scenes,” said Lieutenant Colonel Scott Price explained. “The goal of the Move Over Law is to prevent these dangerous situations.”

The issue became even more acute when word came Monday afternoon that a PennDOT employee was struck by a wide-load tractor-trailer Monday. The truck was carrying a shed, said PennDOT spokesperson Jessica Kalinoski.

“He is being treated. That is all I know right now,” Kalinoski said.

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) Monday hosted an event to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW).

The week, designated to highlight the critical importance of safe driving through work zones, runs through April 30. The theme of this year’s work-zone safety campaign is — “Drive safe. Work safe. Save lives.”

Surrounded by first-responder vehicles and equipment, Price, deputy commissioner of operations for the Pennsylvania State Police, began the event by acknowledging the dangers faced by first responders while providing roadside assistance.

“PennDOT encourages motorists to be aware of their surroundings, follow the posted speed limits and maintain a safe distance from other motorists and employees on the roadways,” Kalinoski said.

If a motorist encounters a work zone, PennDOT advises to keep the following tips in mind for your safety and the safety of highway workers:

• Expect changing traffic patterns.

• Drive the posted work zone speed limit.

• Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers.

• Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so.

• Maintain a safe distance around vehicles. Don’t tailgate.

• Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly.

• Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road.

• Expect the unexpected.

Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching an emergency response area. Updates to the law, which include a new point system for violators and sets a fine of $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 plus 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense, take effect on April 27.

The revamped Move Over Law also mandates drivers change lanes or slow down when approaching disabled vehicles when at least two emergency displays, such as vehicle hazard lamps, road flares, and/or cones or caution signs are present.

According to PennDOT data, in 2020 there were 1,412 work zone crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities. Additionally, since 1970, PennDOT has lost 89 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940.

In an effort to change unsafe driving behaviors in work zones, Pennsylvania implemented the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWSZE) program in March 2020. Pennsylvania’s AWSZE program uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWSZE systems are operational in active work zones where workers are present.

Results included in the AWSZE Annual Legislative Report, released Monday online at — workzonecameras.PennDOT.gov — show that the program is meeting its goals of reducing work zone speeds, changing driver behavior, and improving work zone safety for both workers and motorists.

Work zone speeds trended downward throughout AWSZE enforced work zones. Data shows a 16.6 percent reduction in the percentage of vehicles traveling over the posted work zone speed limit and a 43.6 percent reduction in the percentage of vehicles excessively speeding (11 miles per hour or more over the posted work zone speed limit).

There is also evidence that overall work zone speeds have declined in projects that have had long-term deployments, regardless if the AWSZE units have been deployed or not. Additionally, overall work zone crashes in Pennsylvania work zones were down 19 percent in 2020.

“Construction season too often means hazards for the men and women who are delivering improved roads and bridges,” said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. “Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers all deserve to get home safely. Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.”

After limited travel during the pandemic, 93 percent of drivers are now returning to the roadway and 62 percent plan to travel by car this summer for vacations, according to Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA).

“As drivers return to the road after months of limited travel, we are seeing an increase in the severity of roadway incidents impacting our road crews,” explained Craig Shuey, PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer. “Today, you have learned of our multi-pronged approach to keeping our workers and drivers safe in work zones and along the roadway. However, the core component to protecting workers and motorists is driver behavior. Don’t forget your safe-driving manners and be certain you are fully aware of what is happening on and along the roadway.”