Construction Zones Set Records for Fatal Crashes

The number of fatal crashes in road construction zones is reaching record levels in Ohio, Kentucky and nationally, the Enquirer found in examining statistics from 1994 to 1999. Greater Cincinnati police and transportation agencies do not keep statistics on local fatal crashes and traffic violations in work zones. But they agree there’s a growing problem locally – caused by more construction zones stretching through more seasons, bigger vehicles with more gadgets that distract drivers, and more drivers in a hurry. Though fines for speeding and other infractions in construction zones were doubled several years ago in Ohio, the impact has been negligible, say state police officers Sgt. Ken Ward of the Lebanon post and Lt. Paul Hermes of Batavia.