Law Requires Lights to Be on

Signs posted along state highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike implore motorists to be mindful of workers in road construction areas, saying “Give Them a Brake.” The state is taking that approach with motorists traveling through work zones – at least for now. A new state law that took effect Feb. 21 requires motorists traveling through posted, active work zones to turn on their headlights. By June 23, people driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit in active work zones will face mandatory 15-day driver’s license suspensions. Anyone crashing a vehicle in a work zone will face the same suspension. The fine remains double for speeding in work zones. The key word in the new law is “active.” To be considered an active work zone, signs must be posted. The idea is to help motorists and construction workers see each other in work zones. The leading causes of work zone traffic accidents are excessive speed, inattention, aggressive driving and tailgating. It could be costly soon if motorists don’t slow down and turn on their headlights. By June 23, when the bulk of the state law goes into effect, the fines would exceed $300 for speeding through a work zone without headlights on.