Civil Engineering Student Targets Speeding in Oklahoma Work Zones

Oklahoma continues to face serious safety challenges in highway work zones, with more than 7,100 crashes and 91 fatalities recorded between 2017 and 2022. To help address speeding related risks, Oklahoma State University graduate student Ronit Kayastha is leading a research project examining why drivers exceed speed limits in work zones and which strategies most effectively encourage compliance. Using statewide driver surveys and statistical analysis, the study explores perceptions of enforcement, work zone design, traffic control devices, and current Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) safety initiatives such as variable speed limits, Smart Work Zones, and Operation Hard Hat. Early findings suggest that enhanced enforcement measures, such as higher fines, visible police presence and automated photo enforcement, may be the most promising tools for improving safety. The research aims to guide ODOT and policymakers in developing consistent, data-driven approaches to reduce crashes, injuries and traffic disruptions in Oklahoma work zones.