There’s no question that when drivers speed or otherwise drive unsafely in a road work zone, they endanger not just the people working there but other motorists in the area as well. Nearly 1,000 road projects are planned throughout Ohio this summer.
Earlier this month, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that more Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers will be patrolling these areas and “will have no tolerance for reckless drivers.” OSHP’s Aviation Unit will also be on the lookout for dangerous drivers.
Gov. DeWine noted, “We’re doing this not only to protect road workers but for the safety of all travelers.” In roughly the past five years, more than 9,000 people have been injured and nearly 100 killed in work zone crashes.
Proposed legislation would increase penalties, expand definition of work zone
Meanwhile, state lawmakers have introduced legislation that would increase the severity of fines for speeding, reckless driving and other violations in work zones. Fines could add up to thousands of dollars and come with a driver’s license suspension of up to a year.
The proposed law would also change the definition of a construction zone. It would be expanded to cover any road under “construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, or any other work of a repair or maintenance nature, including public utility work.”
Speeding, impaired and distracted drivers already pose a danger on all of our streets and highways. When a road construction zone brings closed lanes, detours and required slowing, that only increases the chances of a serious or even fatal crash occurring.
If you’ve been in a collision caused by another driver, it’s critical to get the compensation to which you’re entitled to deal with medical expenses and other costs and damages. If it occurred in a construction zone, you may benefit by having the collision captured by a roadside camera. Having experienced legal guidance can help you obtain this and other evidence that can help your case.
