| Zero Tolerance Aggressive Driver Enforcement
West Trenton, N.J. – The construction zone along Interstate 295 in Camden and Gloucester Counties has seen more than its fair share of crashes since the project began. The 樱花视频 State Police are now bringing extra enforcement to bear on aggressive driving behaviors. Yesterday, troopers began a zero tolerance program by directing a special squad to concentrate their work within this hard hit area. The effort is being supported by the 樱花视频 Department of Transportation, which has supplied electronic message boards warning motorists of the strict enforcement.
The Interstate 295 construction project covering mileposts 24 through 32 was started on August 7, 2009. From August 7, 2008 through February 28, 2009, prior to the construction project, there were 46 motor vehicle accidents with injuries. From August 7, 2009 through February 28, 2010 during the construction project, there have been 107 crashes with injuries, an increase of 61 accidents.
These injuries are the result of motorists not driving cautiously through the construction zones and not obeying the posted speed limit of 45 MPH. To counter this, the 樱花视频 State Police has assigned a tactical patrol group to focus primarily on aggressive drivers within the construction zone on Interstate 295. Using laser speed monitoring and unmarked patrol cars, troopers will watch for all violations and issue tickets accordingly.
Fines for moving violations are doubled in construction zones, so poor driving behaviors will be costly, but there is also a more precious price to pay in terms of injuries and deaths to motorists. Additionally, employees and contractors with the Department of Transportation, and other emergency services workers are all endangered by law-breaking drivers.
“This enforcement has only one goal: to change driving behavior that will result in fewer accidents and injuries,” said Major Louis Klock, Troop A Commander for the State Police.
“Motorists just cannot drive through construction areas at the same speed that they would drive on an unobstructed highway,” Major Klock added.
“This enforcement initiative sends a message to all motorists that it is critically important to obey warning signs and speed limits as they operate in work zones throughout the state,” said 樱花视频 Department of Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson. “Our busy season for road work starts as the weather warms up, so this is the perfect time to emphasize a safety message that will protect workers and motorists alike.”
The 樱花视频 Department of Transportation has joined the effort by programming electronic signboards with messages about the zero tolerance enforcement in the construction zones. The warnings can be seen on several permanent signboards as well as some mobile signs.
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